Days after the Israeli defence minister hinted that Israel could open a second war front in Lebanon, IDF escalates its strikes on the Lebanese border. Will Israel open a second front with Lebanon?

Israel's Foreign Minister said war in Gaza would continue 'with or without' International support

After weeks of massive pounding of the Gaza Strip, Israel's staunchest ally, the United States, has raised concern about the future of the war. United States NSA Jake Sullivan is headed to Tel Aviv for talks on the timeline of war. To know more watch this interview with Dr Adam Day, Head in Geneva office, UN Centre for Policy Research.

Pressure mounts on Israel over deaths in Gaza, Jake Sullivan to discuss timeline of war

After weeks of massive pounding of the Gaza Strip, Israel's staunchest ally, the United States, has raised concern on the future of the war. United States NSA Jake Sullivan is headed to Tel Aviv for talks on the timeline of war.

US expresses concerns over Gaza casualties, Jake Sullivan to discuss timeline of war

The Republican-controlled US House of Representatives voted Wednesday to open a formal impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden based on his son's controversial international dealings -- a move Biden himself slammed as a "baseless" stunt.

President Biden slams 'baseless' House GOP impeachment stunt

US: White House advisor Jake Sullivan to visit Israel amid tensions over Gaza | World News | WION

US House of Representatives is expected to vote shortly for its impeachment inquiry against the sitting president Joe Biden. The voting is expected to take place behind closed doors.

US House votes for impeachment against Biden | President slams 'baseless' House impeachment 'stunt'

Here, we bring you the news that is trending across WION's social media platforms- For the first time in over 8 years, Iranian pilgrims will visit Islam's holiest sites in Saudi Arabia.

In a first, Saudi Arabia reopens Umrah route for Iranians since 2015

President Vladimir Putin on Thursday (Dec 14) said that Moscow's goals of "military special operation" in Ukraine haven't changed as he&nbsp;renewed confidence in Russia's victory in the war against Ukraine.&nbsp;

He provided a rare detail on Russia's military operation stating that some 244,000 Russian troops are currently fighting in Ukraine, and further mentioned that there was no need for a further mobilisation of army reservists.&nbsp;

During his press conference, the Russian president said that a total of 486,000 soldiers had signed a contract with the Russian military as of Wednesday evening.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-one-civilian-killed-11-injured-after-russian-drone-missile-attacks-in-south-ukraine-kyiv-669564">At least one civilian killed, 11 injured after Russian drone, missile attacks in southern Ukraine</a>&nbsp;

He said that the Kremlin doesn't need a second wave of mobilisation of reservists, with 1,500 men recruited into the army every day across the country.&nbsp;

Ahead of the conference, Putin was greeted with applause as he arrived in the hall in central Moscow, which is close to the Kremlin.&nbsp;

This year, ordinary citizens have the chance to phone in questions along with those asked by journalists. For two weeks&nbsp;Russians have been submitting questions for Putin.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/leader-of-al-qaeda-linked-group-in-sahel-announces-new-jihad-phase-against-juntas-669546">Leader of al-Qaeda-linked group in Sahel announces new Jihad phase against juntas</a>&nbsp;

<h2>'Peace possible in Ukraine after...'</h2>

Putin said that peace was possible with Ukraine only after Moscow achieved its goals in the nearly two-year conflict.&nbsp;

He said, "There will be peace when we achieve our goals. They are not changing. I will remind you what we talked about: the de-Nazification and de-militarisation of Ukraine, and its neutral status."&nbsp;

He also said that Russian forces were "improving their position on almost the entire line of contact".&nbsp;

Watch: War in Gaza would continue 'with or without international support'&nbsp;

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<h2>Putin on Israel-Hamas war&nbsp;</h2>

Putin also weighed in on the ongoing war in West Asia as he described the situation in the Gaza Strip as a "catastrophe". He said that the Israel-Hamas war can't be compared to the Ukraine conflict. Putin's government has maintained ties with Hamas and Israel.&nbsp;

"Everybody here and around the world can see and look at the special military operation and at what is happening in Gaza and feel the difference," he said, using the Kremlin's name for its conflict in Ukraine.

"But there is nothing like this in Ukraine," he added.

<h2>Putin on Russia-US deal on detained Americans&nbsp;</h2>

Putin also said that he is hopeful about the Russia-US deal on detained Americans. He said he wanted Moscow and Washington to arrive at a solution to secure the release of two high-profile Americans — reporter Evan Gershkovich and former US marine Paul Whelan — held by Moscow on espionage charges.&nbsp;

Putin said, "There are contacts on this issue and dialogue is ongoing, but it's not straightforward. I hope we will find a solution. But the US side should also hear us and make a decision that will suit the Russian Federation."&nbsp;

His comments came just after a court in Moscow ruled that Gershkovich, arrested in March, be held in detention until January 30.

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

President Vladimir Putin on Thursday (Dec 14) said that Moscow's goals of "military special operation" in Ukraine haven't changed as he renewed confidence in Russia's victory in the war against Ukraine.

President Vladimir Putin on Thursday (Dec 14) said that Moscow's goals of "military special operation" in Ukraine haven't changed as he renewed confidence in Russia's victory in the war against Ukraine. He provided a rare detail on Russia's military operation stating that some 244,000 Russian troops are currently fighting in Ukraine, and further mentioned that there was no need for a further mobilisation of army reservists. During his press conference, the Russian president said that a total of 486,000 soldiers had signed a contract with the Russian military as of Wednesday evening. Also read: At least one civilian killed, 11 injured after Russian drone, missile attacks in southern Ukraine He said that the Kremlin doesn't need a second wave of mobilisation of reservists, with 1,500 men recruited into the army every day across the country. Ahead of the conference, Putin was greeted with applause as he arrived in the hall in central Moscow, which is close to the Kremlin. This year, ordinary citizens have the chance to phone in questions along with those asked by journalists. For two weeks Russians have been submitting questions for Putin. Also read: Leader of al-Qaeda-linked group in Sahel announces new Jihad phase against juntas 'Peace possible in Ukraine after...' Putin said that peace was possible with Ukraine only after Moscow achieved its goals in the nearly two-year conflict. He said, "There will be peace when we achieve our goals. They are not changing. I will remind you what we talked about: the de-Nazification and de-militarisation of Ukraine, and its neutral status." He also said that Russian forces were "improving their position on almost the entire line of contact". Watch: War in Gaza would continue 'with or without international support' × Putin on Israel-Hamas war Putin also weighed in on the ongoing war in West Asia as he described the situation in the Gaza Strip as a "catastrophe". He said that the Israel-Hamas war can't be compared to the Ukraine conflict. Putin's government has maintained ties with Hamas and Israel. "Everybody here and around the world can see and look at the special military operation and at what is happening in Gaza and feel the difference," he said, using the Kremlin's name for its conflict in Ukraine. "But there is nothing like this in Ukraine," he added. Putin on Russia-US deal on detained Americans Putin also said that he is hopeful about the Russia-US deal on detained Americans. He said he wanted Moscow and Washington to arrive at a solution to secure the release of two high-profile Americans — reporter Evan Gershkovich and former US marine Paul Whelan — held by Moscow on espionage charges. Putin said, "There are contacts on this issue and dialogue is ongoing, but it's not straightforward. I hope we will find a solution. But the US side should also hear us and make a decision that will suit the Russian Federation." His comments came just after a court in Moscow ruled that Gershkovich, arrested in March, be held in detention until January 30. Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos (With inputs from agencies)

Vladimir Putin is confident of victory in war, says goals have not changed in Ukraine

In the face of mounting abortion bans & restrictions enacted by Republican-led states, U.S. President Joe Biden is seeking to preserve access to the most widely used abortion pill in the United States, mifepristone. The U.S. Supreme Court is set to hear arguments for what will be a major ruling on reproductive rights just months ahead of the 2024 elections.

US top court to rule on abortion pill restrictions

Reports say Mossad chief David Barnea offered to travel to Qatar in a bid to restart negotiations to free more Israeli hostages held in Gaza, but Israel's war cabinet rejects the offer.

Israel: Mossad Chief offered to visit Qatar for negotiations, denied

Credit Agricole (CAGR.PA), France's second-largest listed bank, said on Thursday it would stop financing new fossil fuel extraction projects and publish its exposure to that sector as part of its new climate targets.

The announcement follows the deal struck at the COP28 climate summit among representatives of nearly 200 countries, who agreed to begin reducing global consumption of fossil fuels to avert the worst of climate change.

Credit Agricole, which counts French oil major TotalEnergies (TTEF.PA) among its top clients, said it would cut financed carbon emissions tied to the oil and gas sectors by 75% by 2030, compared with a previously announced target of a 30% reduction.

"Even if the signal is a good one and is welcome, the methodology remains very incomplete, one could even say bad, in terms of claiming to be aligned with a target of limiting higher temperatures by 1.5 degrees Celsius," said Lucie Pinson from Reclaim Finance, commenting on Credit Agricole's plans.

More European banks are pledging to reduce their financing of fossil fuels, incentivised by new European rules that will shine a light on how green their businesses are and pressure from campaign groups and some shareholders. British banks NatWest and HSBC, and Dutch bank ING, are among those to have announced restrictions on such lending.

US and Asian lenders, however, remain the far bigger backers of fossil fuels.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vivek-ramaswamys-response-on-being-asked-if-us-can-accept-hindu-president-takes-internet-by-storm-669659">Will US accept Hindu president? Ramaswamy answers critical question and says 'won't fake identity'</a>

Barclays is the only European lender in the top ten financiers of fossil fuels between 2016 and 2022, with JPMorgan, Citi and Wells Fargo the three biggest, according to the NGO-authored Banking on Climate Chaos report.

Credit Agricole also said it would triple its annual financing of renewable energy projects by 2030 to 3 billion euros ($3.3 billion) from 1 billion euros currently.

It added it would hike by 80% its investment bank unit's exposure to low-carbon energies between 2020 and 2025, with the aim of reaching 13.3 billion euros.

Credit Agricole's new goals are part of the so-called "net zero 2050 scenario", under which the world aims to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by the middle of the century.

Environmental advocacy groups have criticised Credit Agricole for not doing enough to reduce its credit exposure to the oil and gas sectors, pressing the bank to increase transparency on these issues.

Credit Agricole said it would report its total exposure to existing fossil extraction projects in which it is still committed in the first quarter of 2024.

It added that, regarding its financing of energy companies, it would have no corporate financing of independent producers dedicated exclusively to the exploration or production of oil and gas.

"In a context of climate emergency, we need to amplify our commitment towards measures supporting the transformation of society," Chief Executive Philippe Brassac said.

Credit Agricole (CAGR.PA), France's second-largest listed bank, said on Thursday it would stop financing new fossil fuel extraction projects and publish its exposure to that sector as part of its new climate targets.

Credit Agricole (CAGR.PA), France's second-largest listed bank, said on Thursday it would stop financing new fossil fuel extraction projects and publish its exposure to that sector as part of its new climate targets. The announcement follows the deal struck at the COP28 climate summit among representatives of nearly 200 countries, who agreed to begin reducing global consumption of fossil fuels to avert the worst of climate change. Credit Agricole, which counts French oil major TotalEnergies (TTEF.PA) among its top clients, said it would cut financed carbon emissions tied to the oil and gas sectors by 75% by 2030, compared with a previously announced target of a 30% reduction. "Even if the signal is a good one and is welcome, the methodology remains very incomplete, one could even say bad, in terms of claiming to be aligned with a target of limiting higher temperatures by 1.5 degrees Celsius," said Lucie Pinson from Reclaim Finance, commenting on Credit Agricole's plans. More European banks are pledging to reduce their financing of fossil fuels, incentivised by new European rules that will shine a light on how green their businesses are and pressure from campaign groups and some shareholders. British banks NatWest and HSBC, and Dutch bank ING, are among those to have announced restrictions on such lending. US and Asian lenders, however, remain the far bigger backers of fossil fuels. Also read: Will US accept Hindu president? Ramaswamy answers critical question and says 'won't fake identity' Barclays is the only European lender in the top ten financiers of fossil fuels between 2016 and 2022, with JPMorgan, Citi and Wells Fargo the three biggest, according to the NGO-authored Banking on Climate Chaos report. Credit Agricole also said it would triple its annual financing of renewable energy projects by 2030 to 3 billion euros ($3.3 billion) from 1 billion euros currently. It added it would hike by 80% its investment bank unit's exposure to low-carbon energies between 2020 and 2025, with the aim of reaching 13.3 billion euros. Credit Agricole's new goals are part of the so-called "net zero 2050 scenario", under which the world aims to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by the middle of the century. Environmental advocacy groups have criticised Credit Agricole for not doing enough to reduce its credit exposure to the oil and gas sectors, pressing the bank to increase transparency on these issues. Credit Agricole said it would report its total exposure to existing fossil extraction projects in which it is still committed in the first quarter of 2024. It added that, regarding its financing of energy companies, it would have no corporate financing of independent producers dedicated exclusively to the exploration or production of oil and gas. "In a context of climate emergency, we need to amplify our commitment towards measures supporting the transformation of society," Chief Executive Philippe Brassac said.

France's Credit Agricole to stop financing new fossil fuel projects

Hungarian Prime Minister Victor Orban has said that Ukraine was in no way ready to join the bloc. He has made it clear that he will block a proposal to start negotiations on Ukraine's EU membership at a summit in Brussels. James Jackson, journalist, and political analyst in Germany & CE Europe joins us to discuss.

Hungary blocks Ukraine's EU membership bid

The US is showing signs of strained patience with ally Israel. Reports say the Biden administration is holding up the sale of more than 20,000 US made rifles to Israel. U.S. National security advisor Jake Sullivan is travelling to Israel for talks

Israel war: US stops sale of M16 guns to Israel, as tensions rise

The country's women and child development minister smriti irani has told the upper house of the parliament that menstrual leave could lead to discrimination against women in the workforce.

Indian Minister opposes menstrual leave

Here we bring you a quick round-up of all the latest news and top headlines from all across the globe: Israel announced its worst combat losses in more than a month on Wednesday after an ambush in the ruins of Gaza. It faced growing diplomatic isolation as civilian deaths mounted and a humanitarian catastrophe worsened in the Palestinian territory.

Israel-Hamas war: Israel suffers heavy losses in Hamas ambush

A day after Indian Parliament witnessed a shocking scene where intruders breached through high security in lower house of Indian Parliament. The issue continues to simmer.

Parliament Security Breach: Opposition seeks answer from government

This new anti-ageing therapy can rewind age related changes in the body. Powerful hydrogen therapy can rewind age and age related diseases.

Chinese scientists develop therapy to reverse ageing

In a shocking lawsuit filed in the US district court in Boston, Dr&nbsp;Merle Berger, a prominent figure in the field of fertility and founder of Boston IVF, is accused of clandestinely impregnating a patient with his own sperm.

Despite assuring the patient, Sarah Depoian, that the sperm would come from an anonymous donor resembling her husband, a hidden truth has come to light, leading to a legal battle that exposes ethical concerns in the realm of reproductive medicine, reported the Guardian.

As per the civil claim, Depoian and her husband sought fertility treatment with Dr&nbsp;Berger in 1980.

Assured by Berger that an anonymous medical resident's sperm would be used for insemination, the couple embarked on the treatment.

Shockingly, it is alleged that Berger secretly replaced the promised donor sperm with his own, violating Depoian's trust and denying her the right to give informed consent.

<img alt="Harvard medical school" src="https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/a07344f78fcd2fbd700517d958446578e66c0ecd/0_200_6000_3602/master/6000.jpg?width=465&amp;dpr=1&amp;s=none" />

Dr Merle Berger has been a professor of obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive biology at Harvard medical school for over three decades. Photo: Reuters&nbsp;

The truth remained hidden&nbsp;for decades until Depoian's daughter, Carolyn Bester, decided to explore her ancestry through at-home DNA tests. Born in 1981, Bester uncovered the shocking truth&nbsp;that Dr Merle Berger was her biological father.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/woman-goes-to-hospital-with-stomach-pain-walks-out-with-baby-that-was-growing-in-her-bowel-669342">Also read |&nbsp;Woman goes to hospital with stomach pain, walks out with a baby weeks later</a>

<h2>Allegations of 'medical rape'</h2>

Depoian's attorney, Adam Wolf, categorises Berger's actions as a severe breach of trust, describing the covert insemination as a form of "medical rape."

Wolf asserts that Berger intentionally violated his patient's wishes and acted unethically and illegally.

Also watch |&nbsp;WION Trending | Disgraced Canadian IVF doctor told to pay millions

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-trending-disgraced-canadian-ivf-doctor-told-to-pay-millions-402186/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

While Berger no longer practices, his legal team denies the allegations, claiming they lack legal or factual merit and vowing to disprove them in court.

This lawsuit is not an isolated incident, as similar cases are emerging across the United States.

(With inputs from agencies)

In a shocking lawsuit filed in the US district court in Boston, Dr Merle Berger, a prominent figure in the field of fertility and founder of Boston IVF, is accused of clandestinely impregnating a patient with his own sperm.

In a shocking lawsuit filed in the US district court in Boston, Dr Merle Berger, a prominent figure in the field of fertility and founder of Boston IVF, is accused of clandestinely impregnating a patient with his own sperm. Despite assuring the patient, Sarah Depoian, that the sperm would come from an anonymous donor resembling her husband, a hidden truth has come to light, leading to a legal battle that exposes ethical concerns in the realm of reproductive medicine, reported the Guardian. As per the civil claim, Depoian and her husband sought fertility treatment with Dr Berger in 1980. Assured by Berger that an anonymous medical resident's sperm would be used for insemination, the couple embarked on the treatment. Shockingly, it is alleged that Berger secretly replaced the promised donor sperm with his own, violating Depoian's trust and denying her the right to give informed consent. Dr Merle Berger has been a professor of obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive biology at Harvard medical school for over three decades. Photo: Reuters The truth remained hidden for decades until Depoian's daughter, Carolyn Bester, decided to explore her ancestry through at-home DNA tests. Born in 1981, Bester uncovered the shocking truth that Dr Merle Berger was her biological father. Also read | Woman goes to hospital with stomach pain, walks out with a baby weeks later Allegations of 'medical rape' Depoian's attorney, Adam Wolf, categorises Berger's actions as a severe breach of trust, describing the covert insemination as a form of "medical rape." Wolf asserts that Berger intentionally violated his patient's wishes and acted unethically and illegally. Also watch | WION Trending | Disgraced Canadian IVF doctor told to pay millions While Berger no longer practices, his legal team denies the allegations, claiming they lack legal or factual merit and vowing to disprove them in court. This lawsuit is not an isolated incident, as similar cases are emerging across the United States. (With inputs from agencies)

US fertility doctor accused of covertly impregnating patient with his own sperm

Researchers in Hong Kong have claimed to be the first in the world to use a treatment that has proven to be effective in treating liver cancer. The newly developed 'reduce and remove' treatment has been able to prolong the life of a late stage liver cancer.

Hong Kong develops new 'Reduce & Remove' liver cancer treatment

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is losing his popularity, in the wake of the row over his Rwanda policy and Covid scandal - a new poll shows Sunak's favorability ratings at a level of Boris Johnson at the time of his resignation.

UK PM Rishi Sunak's popularity sinks, 70% of respondents view Sunak as unfavourable

Israeli leaders are reiterating that the war in Gaza will continue until Hamas is defeated. Israel's foreign minister stressed that the offensive would go on with or without international support. However Hamas Chief has now said that the the group is ready to discuss with Israel any arrangement or initiative that could lead to a ceasefire in Gaza.

Israel-Hamas war: 'Ready to discuss Gaza ceasefire with Israel', says Hamas' chief

Israel-Hamas war: Hamas Chief says ready to discuss Gaza ceasefire with Israel

US House votes for impeachment against Biden

A member of Thailand's Parliament has been sentenced to 6 years in prison for insulting country's monarchy. Rukchanok was found guilty of violating Thailand's lese-majesty laws.

Thai MP gets 6 years in jail for sharing defamatory posts

Pakistan's army chief is in Washington this week seeking US' assistance against what Islamabad alleges are terrorist havens in Afghanistan. The suicide squad drove an explosive-laden truck into a military camp.

Terror group TTP warns Pakistani cops not to act against its fighters

Kathleen Folbigg was wrongly jailed for 20 years over the killing of her four children. An Australian mother was acquitted on Thursday after scientific breakthroughs helped clear her name. Watch to know more.

Australian mother wrongly jailed for 20 years over the death of four kids

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