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Over five days or 124 hours after a 7.6 magnitude earthquake rocked Japan, a woman in her 90s has been miraculously pulled alive from a collapsed house in the western region of the country.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

The authorities were on the verge of concluding the rescue operations as chances for survival diminish after the first 72 hours. However, the woman in Suzu City,&nbsp;Ishikawa prefecture, defied the odds as well as death to emerge alive out of the rubble.&nbsp;

According to reports, a dog barked while an AFP team was filming the cleanup operation, suggesting someone was alive under the debris. The rescue teams took note and managed to pull out the&nbsp;nonagenarian.&nbsp;

“Training for disaster rescue dogs begins with something similar to a game of hide-and-seek,” canine trainer Masayo Kikuchi told the news agency.

“Finally, they are trained to bark when seeing a person under the rubble.”

Around 30,000 households in the Ishikawa region still remain without electricity. 89,800 homes in Ishikawa and two other regions are without water, while hundreds of people are living in government shelters.

Ishikawa governor Hiroshi Hase said, "We are facing extremely severe situations", during a disaster management meeting.

Restoration of running water will take a long time "as many water pipes have cracks", he said. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/japan-earthquake-losses-to-touch-64-billion-death-toll-climbs-to-98-677122">Watch |&nbsp;Japan Earthquake: Losses to touch $6.4 billion, death toll climbs to 126</a>

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<h2>Apocalyptic New Year start for Japan&nbsp;</h2>

The New Year started on a sombre note for Japan as on the afternoon of January 1, a powerful quake shook the&nbsp;&nbsp;Noto Peninsula, located on the west coast of the quake-prone country.

The death toll from the quake has climbed to 126 so far as rescuers continue to comb through the debris to recover bodies.&nbsp;The authorities said that 210 people were still missing with the&nbsp;rescue efforts&nbsp;hampered due to harsh winter conditions.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-felt-its-largest-west-coast-earthquake-in-125-years-but-it-wasnt-a-replay-of-turkeys-tragedy-677203">Also read |&nbsp;Data Lab: Japan felt its biggest west coast quake in 125 years, but it wasn’t a replay of Turkey’s tragedy</a>

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida released a statement on Saturday (Jan 6) paying condolences to the victims.&nbsp;

"We sincerely pray for the repose of the souls of those who have passed away."

Japan is located on four major tectonic plates - the Pacific plate, North American plate, the Philippine plate, and the Eurasian plate.&nbsp;The existence of these four plates, grinding against each other, makes the region very complex and earthquake prone.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Over five days or 124 hours after a 7.6 magnitude earthquake rocked Japan, a woman in her 90s has been miraculously pulled alive from a collapsed house in the western region of the country.

Over five days or 124 hours after a 7.6 magnitude earthquake rocked Japan, a woman in her 90s has been miraculously pulled alive from a collapsed house in the western region of the country. The authorities were on the verge of concluding the rescue operations as chances for survival diminish after the first 72 hours. However, the woman in Suzu City, Ishikawa prefecture, defied the odds as well as death to emerge alive out of the rubble. According to reports, a dog barked while an AFP team was filming the cleanup operation, suggesting someone was alive under the debris. The rescue teams took note and managed to pull out the nonagenarian. “Training for disaster rescue dogs begins with something similar to a game of hide-and-seek,” canine trainer Masayo Kikuchi told the news agency. “Finally, they are trained to bark when seeing a person under the rubble.” Around 30,000 households in the Ishikawa region still remain without electricity. 89,800 homes in Ishikawa and two other regions are without water, while hundreds of people are living in government shelters. Ishikawa governor Hiroshi Hase said, "We are facing extremely severe situations", during a disaster management meeting. Restoration of running water will take a long time "as many water pipes have cracks", he said. Watch | Japan Earthquake: Losses to touch $6.4 billion, death toll climbs to 126 × Apocalyptic New Year start for Japan The New Year started on a sombre note for Japan as on the afternoon of January 1, a powerful quake shook the Noto Peninsula, located on the west coast of the quake-prone country. The death toll from the quake has climbed to 126 so far as rescuers continue to comb through the debris to recover bodies. The authorities said that 210 people were still missing with the rescue efforts hampered due to harsh winter conditions. Also read | Data Lab: Japan felt its biggest west coast quake in 125 years, but it wasn’t a replay of Turkey’s tragedy Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida released a statement on Saturday (Jan 6) paying condolences to the victims. "We sincerely pray for the repose of the souls of those who have passed away." Japan is located on four major tectonic plates - the Pacific plate, North American plate, the Philippine plate, and the Eurasian plate. The existence of these four plates, grinding against each other, makes the region very complex and earthquake prone. (With inputs from agencies)

Miracle! Woman in her 90s pulled out of debris five days after Japan 7.6 earthquake

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China has announced implementing sanctions on five US military manufacturers as a retaliatory measure over US' arms sales to Taiwan, media reports said quoting a foreign ministry spokesperson statement on Sunday (Jan 7).

The spokesperson said that the five companies are BAE Systems Land and Armaments, Alliant Techsystems Operations, AeroVironment, Viasat, and Data Link Solutions.&nbsp;

Taiwan, officially known as the Republic of China, has operated as a separate entity from the mainland since the end of the civil war. Over the years, it has developed its own political and economic systems, evolving into a thriving democracy with a distinct identity.&nbsp;

However, the Chinese government considers Taiwan to be a renegade province and has consistently asserted its claim over the island.&nbsp;

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The Taiwan Relations Act (1979) commits the US to provide Taiwan with the means necessary to defend itself. The US has also consistently expressed support for the peaceful resolution of cross-strait issues and opposes any unilateral change to the status quo.

In recent years, the China-US rivalry has escalated as Beijing has become increasingly assertive in pursuing its territorial claims. It has employed both diplomatic and military means to isolate Taiwan internationally and discourage foreign governments from engaging with the island.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/weeks-after-paris-bedbug-hysteria-stinging-caterpillars-are-now-invading-french-capital-677293">Weeks after Paris' bedbug hysteria, stinging caterpillars are now invading French capital</a>

The Chinese government has not ruled out the use of force to achieve reunification, and its military activities, such as air and naval patrols around Taiwan, have raised tensions in the region.

Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/japans-burning-plane-whats-the-real-story-677300">Japan's Burning Plane: What's the real story?</a>

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The United States, on the other hand, has reaffirmed its commitment to the defense of Taiwan and has increased its support for the island, including arms sales and enhanced military cooperation. The US has also sought to strengthen ties with like-minded regional partners to counterbalance China's growing influence.

The Taiwan Strait has become a geopolitical flashpoint, with the potential for miscalculations and unintended consequences. The situation is further complicated by the broader strategic competition between China and the US across various domains, including technology and trade.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

China has announced implementing sanctions on five US military manufacturers as a retaliatory measure over US' arms sales to Taiwan, media reports said quoting a foreign ministry spokesperson statement on Sunday (Jan 7).

China has announced implementing sanctions on five US military manufacturers as a retaliatory measure over US' arms sales to Taiwan, media reports said quoting a foreign ministry spokesperson statement on Sunday (Jan 7). The spokesperson said that the five companies are BAE Systems Land and Armaments, Alliant Techsystems Operations, AeroVironment, Viasat, and Data Link Solutions. Taiwan, officially known as the Republic of China, has operated as a separate entity from the mainland since the end of the civil war. Over the years, it has developed its own political and economic systems, evolving into a thriving democracy with a distinct identity. However, the Chinese government considers Taiwan to be a renegade province and has consistently asserted its claim over the island. Also Read | Merchant vessel approached by six craft near Yemen, says UK The Taiwan Relations Act (1979) commits the US to provide Taiwan with the means necessary to defend itself. The US has also consistently expressed support for the peaceful resolution of cross-strait issues and opposes any unilateral change to the status quo. In recent years, the China-US rivalry has escalated as Beijing has become increasingly assertive in pursuing its territorial claims. It has employed both diplomatic and military means to isolate Taiwan internationally and discourage foreign governments from engaging with the island. Also Read | Weeks after Paris' bedbug hysteria, stinging caterpillars are now invading French capital The Chinese government has not ruled out the use of force to achieve reunification, and its military activities, such as air and naval patrols around Taiwan, have raised tensions in the region. Watch | Japan's Burning Plane: What's the real story? × The United States, on the other hand, has reaffirmed its commitment to the defense of Taiwan and has increased its support for the island, including arms sales and enhanced military cooperation. The US has also sought to strengthen ties with like-minded regional partners to counterbalance China's growing influence. The Taiwan Strait has become a geopolitical flashpoint, with the potential for miscalculations and unintended consequences. The situation is further complicated by the broader strategic competition between China and the US across various domains, including technology and trade. (With inputs from agencies)

China imposes sanctions on five US military manufacturers in retaliation over arms sales to Taiwan

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has arrived in Turkey, his first stop in the week-long new West Asia trip. This is US' top diplomat's fourth crisis visit to the region amid escalating tensions. Watch the video to know more!

Israel-Hamas war: West Asian nations need to use their influence to stop Gaza crisis, says Blinken

In the latest, the Maldives government has taken action by suspending three deputy ministers, namely Mariyam Shiuna, Malsha Shareef, and Hassan Zihan, from their positions due to disrespectful comments they made about Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In the South Asian realm, Bangladesh's general&nbsp;election&nbsp;takes centre stage. The results are expected by Monday (Jan 8). In other news, two reporters lost their lives in an Israeli airstrike in the war-ridden area as tensions between Israel and Hamas intensify.

Click on the headlines to read more.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/maldives-govt-suspends-ministers-who-made-racist-remarks-against-indians-to-target-pm-modis-lakshadweep-visit-677475">Maldives govt suspends three ministers over derogatory remarks on PM Modi</a>

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The Maldives government has suspended three deputy ministers -&nbsp;Mariyam Shiuna, Malsha&nbsp;Shareef and Hassan Zihan - over their derogatory remarks made about Indian PM Narendra Modi.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-elections-2024-live-polling-begins-as-pm-sheikh-hasina-eyes-another-term-677303">Bangladesh election 2024 LIVE: Awami League candidate takes lead in Magura-1 seat</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/01/07/404178-untitled-design-2024-01-07t134826985.png?imwidth=3840" />

Voting has ended in Bangladesh and counting of votes has started. Results are expected to be out by Monday. Click on the headline to get all live updates on the elections.

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<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/01/07/404201-untitled-design-1.png?imwidth=3840" />

The health ministry in the Gaza Strip said on Sunday (Jan 7) that two journalists were killed in an Israeli air strike in the war-torn region as the conflict between Israel and Hamas continues. According to the health ministry and medics, Mustafa Thuria, a video stringer for AFP news agency, and Hamza Wael Dahdouh, a journalist with Al Jazeera television network, were killed while they were travelling in a car.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-conducts-live-fire-drills-near-maritime-border-on-third-consecutive-day-677499">North Korea conducts live-fire drills near maritime border on third consecutive day</a>

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North Korea on Sunday (Jan 7) conducted live-fire exercises on its western coast, Seoul's military said in a statement.

This was the third consecutive day of military drills conducted by Pyongyang near its disputed maritime border with the South.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-vows-to-support-soldiers-fighting-in-ukraine-while-wives-of-those-mobilised-protest-near-kremlin-677414">Putin vows to support soldiers fighting in Ukraine while wives mobilise protest near Kremlin</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/01/07/404172-wion-images-2024-01-07t130050655.png?imwidth=3840" />

During an address on the eve of Orthodox Christmas, on Saturday (Jan 6) Russian President Vladimir Putin vowed to support soldiers "fighting to defend Moscow’s interests". Meanwhile, wives of Russians mobilised to fight in Ukraine symbolically laid flowers at the flame of an unknown soldier near the Kremlin and demanded the return of their husbands from the front.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-fire-tragedy-in-rohingya-refugee-camp-leaves-thousands-without-shelter-677419">Bangladesh: Fire tragedy at Rohingya refugee camp leaves thousands without shelter</a>

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A fire erupted in parts of a densely populated Rohingya refugee camp in south-eastern Bangladesh, leaving over 4,000&nbsp;people without shelter, according to officials.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-prime-minister-sheikh-hasina-hails-india-as-trusted-friend-677534">Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina hails India as 'trusted friend'</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/01/07/404250-succession-2024-01-07t202641207.jpg?imwidth=3840" />

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, in her message to neighbouring India on the day of polling, hailed New Delhi as a "trusted friend".

''We are very lucky...India is our trusted friend. During our Liberation War, they supported us...After 1975, when we lost our whole family...they gave us shelter. So our best wishes to the people of India," she said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kim-jong-uns-sister-claims-s-korea-misjudged-sound-of-explosives-as-artillery-fire-677432">Kim Jong Un’s sister claims S Korea 'misjudged' sound of explosives as artillery fire</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/07/11/366061-kim-yo-jong.png?imwidth=3840" />

Kim Yo Jong, the powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has denied claims made by South Korea that&nbsp;Pyongyang fired dozens of artillery rounds near their border on Saturday (Jan 6).&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhis-smog-tower-loses-breath-as-workers-remain-unpaid-by-kejriwal-govt-677513">Delhi’s smog tower ‘loses breath’ as workers remain unpaid by Kejriwal govt</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/01/07/404237-smog-1.jpg?imwidth=3840" />

The smog tower installed in Delhi’s Connaught Place has been locked up by the workers in protest to non-payment of their salaries, as per several media reports. The development comes even as the national capital reels under ‘very poor’ air quality amidst freezing cold and dense fog.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/watch-indian-air-forces-c-130j-conducts-historic-night-landing-at-kargil-airstrip-677402">Watch | Indian Air Force's C-130J conducts historic night landing at Kargil airstrip</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/01/07/404168-untitled-design-12.png?imwidth=3840" />

In a major boost to the operational setup of the Indian Air Force (IAF), the C-130J aircraft recently landed at the challenging Kargil airstrip at night for the first time.

In the latest, the Maldives government has taken action by suspending three deputy ministers, namely Mariyam Shiuna, Malsha Shareef, and Hassan Zihan, from their positions due to disrespectful comments they made about Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

In the latest, the Maldives government has taken action by suspending three deputy ministers, namely Mariyam Shiuna, Malsha Shareef, and Hassan Zihan, from their positions due to disrespectful comments they made about Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In the South Asian realm, Bangladesh's general election takes centre stage. The results are expected by Monday (Jan 8). In other news, two reporters lost their lives in an Israeli airstrike in the war-ridden area as tensions between Israel and Hamas intensify. Click on the headlines to read more. Maldives govt suspends three ministers over derogatory remarks on PM Modi The Maldives government has suspended three deputy ministers - Mariyam Shiuna, Malsha Shareef and Hassan Zihan - over their derogatory remarks made about Indian PM Narendra Modi. Bangladesh election 2024 LIVE: Awami League candidate takes lead in Magura-1 seat Voting has ended in Bangladesh and counting of votes has started. Results are expected to be out by Monday. Click on the headline to get all live updates on the elections. Israel-Hamas war: Health ministry in Gaza says two journalists killed in Israeli strike The health ministry in the Gaza Strip said on Sunday (Jan 7) that two journalists were killed in an Israeli air strike in the war-torn region as the conflict between Israel and Hamas continues. According to the health ministry and medics, Mustafa Thuria, a video stringer for AFP news agency, and Hamza Wael Dahdouh, a journalist with Al Jazeera television network, were killed while they were travelling in a car. North Korea conducts live-fire drills near maritime border on third consecutive day North Korea on Sunday (Jan 7) conducted live-fire exercises on its western coast, Seoul's military said in a statement. This was the third consecutive day of military drills conducted by Pyongyang near its disputed maritime border with the South. Putin vows to support soldiers fighting in Ukraine while wives mobilise protest near Kremlin During an address on the eve of Orthodox Christmas, on Saturday (Jan 6) Russian President Vladimir Putin vowed to support soldiers "fighting to defend Moscow’s interests". Meanwhile, wives of Russians mobilised to fight in Ukraine symbolically laid flowers at the flame of an unknown soldier near the Kremlin and demanded the return of their husbands from the front. Bangladesh: Fire tragedy at Rohingya refugee camp leaves thousands without shelter A fire erupted in parts of a densely populated Rohingya refugee camp in south-eastern Bangladesh, leaving over 4,000 people without shelter, according to officials. Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina hails India as 'trusted friend' Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, in her message to neighbouring India on the day of polling, hailed New Delhi as a "trusted friend". ''We are very lucky...India is our trusted friend. During our Liberation War, they supported us...After 1975, when we lost our whole family...they gave us shelter. So our best wishes to the people of India," she said. Kim Jong Un’s sister claims S Korea 'misjudged' sound of explosives as artillery fire Kim Yo Jong, the powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has denied claims made by South Korea that Pyongyang fired dozens of artillery rounds near their border on Saturday (Jan 6). Delhi’s smog tower ‘loses breath’ as workers remain unpaid by Kejriwal govt The smog tower installed in Delhi’s Connaught Place has been locked up by the workers in protest to non-payment of their salaries, as per several media reports. The development comes even as the national capital reels under ‘very poor’ air quality amidst freezing cold and dense fog. Watch | Indian Air Force's C-130J conducts historic night landing at Kargil airstrip In a major boost to the operational setup of the Indian Air Force (IAF), the C-130J aircraft recently landed at the challenging Kargil airstrip at night for the first time.

Top 10 world news: Maldives suspends 3 ministers for remarks on PM Modi, Bangladesh elections, and more

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Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) led by former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia has boycotted the ongoing 12th parliamentary elections, after PM Sheikh Hasina denied its demand to resign and let a caretaker government run the election.

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Top U.S and European diplomats sought ways on Sunday to keep the Gaza war from spreading in the Middle East, but three months after the conflict erupted, more bloodshed underlined the challenge and Israel was set on pressing its campaign.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and the European Union's top diplomat, Josep Borrell, were on separate trips to the region to try to quell spillover from the war into Lebanon, the West Bank and Red Sea shipping lanes, where Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthis have vowed to keep up attacks until Israel halts its campaign in the Palestinian enclave.

"We have an intense focus on preventing this conflict from spreading," said Blinken, who was in Jordan on Sunday and will also travel to Israel, the West Bank, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Egypt during his fourth trip to the region.

Jordan's King Abdullah urged Blinken to use Washington's influence over Israel to press it for an immediate ceasefire, a palace statement said, warning him of the "catastrophic repercussions" of Israel's continued military campaign.

Despite global concern over the death and destruction in Gaza and international pressure for a ceasefire, Israeli public opinion remains firmly behind the operation aimed at wiping out the Hamas group that rules Gaza, although there has been a big drop in support for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

He has not taken responsibility for the security failures that allowed Hamas to attack southern Israel on Oct. 7. But he has vowed to press on with the retaliatory action.

"The war must not be stopped until we achieve all the goals - the elimination of Hamas, the return of all our hostages and ensuring that Gaza will no longer pose a threat to Israel. I say this to both our enemies and our friends," Netanyahu said at the start of a weekly cabinet meeting on Sunday.

Some 1,200 people were killed and 240 were taken hostage on Oct. 7, according to Israeli officials. More than 100 hostages are still believed to be held by Hamas. For Israelis, the deadliest day in the country's history and the accounts of atrocities that later emerged left a sense that the survival of the country is at stake.

Israel's offensive has so far killed 22,835 Palestinians, according to Palestinian health officials on Sunday. Some 113 Palestinians were killed and 250 others were wounded in separate Israeli strikes on Gaza in the past 24 hours, Gaza health ministry spokesman Ashraf Al-Qidra said.

An Israeli air strike on a car near Rafah in southern Gaza on Sunday killed two Palestinian journalists who were out reporting, according to health officials in Gaza and the journalists' union there.

The fighting has displaced most of the enclave's 2.3 million population, with many homes and civilian infrastructure left in ruins amid acute shortages of food, water and medicine.

“We hope that ... Blinken looks at us with an eye of mercy, ends the war, ends the misery we are living in. We are a people that must live a free and dignified life," said one woman, Um Mohamad Al-Arqan, standing by the tent where she is living.

Blinken, who visited Turkey and Greece at the start of his trip, will aim to press hesitant Muslim nations in the region to prepare to play a role in the reconstruction, governance and security of Gaza if and when Israel achieves its goal of eliminating Hamas, said a senior State Department official.

<h2>Focus on Central, Southern Gaza</h2>

Israeli military spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari summarised the offensive on Saturday, saying Israeli forces had completely&nbsp;dismantled Hamas' "military framework" in northern Gaza and had killed around 8,000 militants in that area.

"We are now focused on dismantling Hamas in the centre of and south of the (Gaza) strip," he said in an online briefing.

Palestinian health ministry casualty figures do not differentiate between fighters and civilians, but the ministry claims that 70% of Gaza's dead are women and people under 18.

Gun battles intensified in the southern Gaza town of Khan Younis as well as in districts in the centre of the densely populated Palestinian enclave.

Smoke rose from the sites of Israeli bombing on Sunday morning east and north of Khan Younis. Israeli strikes on houses in Khan Younis killed 50 people, health officials in Nasser Hospital said on Sunday.

Israeli soldiers in the Gaza Strip killed gunmen loading weapons into a vehicle and dismantled a launch site that fired rockets towards Israel, the Israeli military said.

Hamas' armed wing said its fighters destroyed a troop carrier in Al-Maghazi refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip.

Outside Gaza, there was fresh violence in the occupied West Bank. Israeli aircraft fired on Palestinian militants who had attacked troops in the West Bank, the military said, and Palestinian health officials said seven Palestinians were killed in the strike.

An Israeli border police officer was killed and others wounded when their vehicle was hit by an explosive device during operations in the West Bank city of Jenin, the military and police said.

The West Bank had already seen its highest levels of unrest in decades during the 18 months before the Gaza war, and confrontations have since risen sharply. Hundreds of Palestinians have been killed in clashes with Israeli soldiers and settlers over the past weeks in the West Bank and security forces have made thousands of arrests.

Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Top U.S and European diplomats sought ways on Sunday to keep the Gaza war from spreading in the Middle East, but three months after the conflict erupted, more bloodshed underlined the challenge and Israel was set on pressing its campaign.

Top U.S and European diplomats sought ways on Sunday to keep the Gaza war from spreading in the Middle East, but three months after the conflict erupted, more bloodshed underlined the challenge and Israel was set on pressing its campaign. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and the European Union's top diplomat, Josep Borrell, were on separate trips to the region to try to quell spillover from the war into Lebanon, the West Bank and Red Sea shipping lanes, where Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthis have vowed to keep up attacks until Israel halts its campaign in the Palestinian enclave. "We have an intense focus on preventing this conflict from spreading," said Blinken, who was in Jordan on Sunday and will also travel to Israel, the West Bank, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Egypt during his fourth trip to the region. Jordan's King Abdullah urged Blinken to use Washington's influence over Israel to press it for an immediate ceasefire, a palace statement said, warning him of the "catastrophic repercussions" of Israel's continued military campaign. Despite global concern over the death and destruction in Gaza and international pressure for a ceasefire, Israeli public opinion remains firmly behind the operation aimed at wiping out the Hamas group that rules Gaza, although there has been a big drop in support for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He has not taken responsibility for the security failures that allowed Hamas to attack southern Israel on Oct. 7. But he has vowed to press on with the retaliatory action. "The war must not be stopped until we achieve all the goals - the elimination of Hamas, the return of all our hostages and ensuring that Gaza will no longer pose a threat to Israel. I say this to both our enemies and our friends," Netanyahu said at the start of a weekly cabinet meeting on Sunday. Some 1,200 people were killed and 240 were taken hostage on Oct. 7, according to Israeli officials. More than 100 hostages are still believed to be held by Hamas. For Israelis, the deadliest day in the country's history and the accounts of atrocities that later emerged left a sense that the survival of the country is at stake. Israel's offensive has so far killed 22,835 Palestinians, according to Palestinian health officials on Sunday. Some 113 Palestinians were killed and 250 others were wounded in separate Israeli strikes on Gaza in the past 24 hours, Gaza health ministry spokesman Ashraf Al-Qidra said. An Israeli air strike on a car near Rafah in southern Gaza on Sunday killed two Palestinian journalists who were out reporting, according to health officials in Gaza and the journalists' union there. The fighting has displaced most of the enclave's 2.3 million population, with many homes and civilian infrastructure left in ruins amid acute shortages of food, water and medicine. “We hope that ... Blinken looks at us with an eye of mercy, ends the war, ends the misery we are living in. We are a people that must live a free and dignified life," said one woman, Um Mohamad Al-Arqan, standing by the tent where she is living. Blinken, who visited Turkey and Greece at the start of his trip, will aim to press hesitant Muslim nations in the region to prepare to play a role in the reconstruction, governance and security of Gaza if and when Israel achieves its goal of eliminating Hamas, said a senior State Department official. Focus on Central, Southern Gaza Israeli military spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari summarised the offensive on Saturday, saying Israeli forces had completely dismantled Hamas' "military framework" in northern Gaza and had killed around 8,000 militants in that area. "We are now focused on dismantling Hamas in the centre of and south of the (Gaza) strip," he said in an online briefing. Palestinian health ministry casualty figures do not differentiate between fighters and civilians, but the ministry claims that 70% of Gaza's dead are women and people under 18. Gun battles intensified in the southern Gaza town of Khan Younis as well as in districts in the centre of the densely populated Palestinian enclave. Smoke rose from the sites of Israeli bombing on Sunday morning east and north of Khan Younis. Israeli strikes on houses in Khan Younis killed 50 people, health officials in Nasser Hospital said on Sunday. Israeli soldiers in the Gaza Strip killed gunmen loading weapons into a vehicle and dismantled a launch site that fired rockets towards Israel, the Israeli military said. Hamas' armed wing said its fighters destroyed a troop carrier in Al-Maghazi refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip. Outside Gaza, there was fresh violence in the occupied West Bank. Israeli aircraft fired on Palestinian militants who had attacked troops in the West Bank, the military said, and Palestinian health officials said seven Palestinians were killed in the strike. An Israeli border police officer was killed and others wounded when their vehicle was hit by an explosive device during operations in the West Bank city of Jenin, the military and police said. The West Bank had already seen its highest levels of unrest in decades during the 18 months before the Gaza war, and confrontations have since risen sharply. Hundreds of Palestinians have been killed in clashes with Israeli soldiers and settlers over the past weeks in the West Bank and security forces have made thousands of arrests. Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel-Hamas war: Western diplomats aim to prevent Gaza spillover after three months of conflict

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