23:35 (IST) Apr 13
Israel Live Updates: Israel closes schools amid Iran threat
22:20 (IST) Apr 13
Israel Live Updates: Biden to return to Washington amid Iran threats against Israel
21:17 (IST) Apr 13
Israel Live Updates: Palestinian PM condemns Israeli settler attacks in West Bank
20:50 (IST) Apr 13
Israel Live Updates: Canada warns citizens against all travel to Israel and Gaza
20:03 (IST) Apr 13
Israel Live Updates: Israel urges EU to declare Iran's Revolutionary Guards 'terrorist organisation'
19:12 (IST) Apr 13
Israel Live Updates: Israel defence minister warns against 'revenge' over teen's death in West Bank
18:56 (IST) Apr 13
We are aware that a cargo ship ‘MSC Aries’ has been taken control of by Iran. We have learnt that there are 17 Indian nationals onboard. We are in touch with the Iranian authorities through diplomatic channels, both in Tehran and in Delhi, to ensure the security, welfare and early release of Indian nationals: Media reports
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18:21 (IST) Apr 13
Israel Live Updates: 25 crew members on board ship seized near Strait of Hormuz says, MSC
Italian-Swiss Shipping group MSC said that there were 25 crew members on board a container ship seized by Iran's Revolutionary Guards in the Gulf, as tensions soar in the region. "We regret to confirm that MSC Aries... has been boarded by Iranian authorities via helicopter as she passed the Strait of Hormuz at approximately 0243 UTC this morning," the group said in a statement. "She has 25 crew onboard, and we are working closely with the relevant authorities to ensure their wellbeing, and safe return of the vessel."
17:43 (IST) Apr 13
Israel Live Updates: ANP, KLM, the Dutch airline, has decided to stop flying over Israel and Iran, as per a KLM spokesperson, reported Dutch press agency
17:26 (IST) Apr 13
Israel Live Updates: Netanyahu condemns 'heinous murder' of Israeli teen in West Bank
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the recovery of the deceased Israeli teenager, Benjamin Achimeir, 14, in the occupied West Bank on Saturday was a "heinous murder."
17:17 (IST) Apr 13
“Iran will bear the consequences for choosing to escalate the situation any further,”: IDF spokesperson
16:57 (IST) Apr 13
Iran's state-run IRNA said a special forces unit of the Guard's navy carried out the attack on the vessel, which other media in the country widely identified as the Portuguese-flagged MSC Aries, a container ship associated with London-based Zodiac Maritime. Zodiac Maritime is part of Israeli billionaire Eyal Ofer's Zodiac Group. Zodiac declined to comment and referred questions to MSC, which did not immediately respond.
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16:34 (IST) Apr 13
Israel Live Updates: Health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza says war death toll at 33,686
The health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza said Saturday that at least 33,686 people have been killed in the territory during more than six months of war between Israel and Palestinian militants. The toll includes at least 52 deaths over the past 24 hours, a ministry statement said, adding that 76,309 people have been wounded in the Gaza Strip since the war began when Hamas militants attacked Israel on October 7.
16:28 (IST) Apr 13
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16:06 (IST) Apr 13
Iran guards seize vessel 'related' to Israel in Gulf: state media
Iran's Revolutionary Guards on Saturday seized a container ship "related to Zionist regime (Israel) in the Gulf," state media reported. "A container ship named 'MCS Aries' was seized by the Sepah (Guards) Navy Special Forces by carrying out a heliborne operation," IRNA state news agency reported, adding that the operation took place "near the Strait of Hormuz" and "this ship has now been directed towards the territorial waters" of Iran.
15:21 (IST) Apr 13
Vessel seized by 'regional authorities' 50 nautical miles northeast of UAE's Fujairah, UKMTO says
The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said on Saturday that a vessel was seized by "regional authorities" 50 nautical miles (92 km) northeast of the United Arab Emirates' Fujairah. UKMTO did not say which authorities it was referring to.
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14:34 (IST) Apr 13
Video seen by AP shows helicopter raid on ship near Strait of Hormuz; Mideast defense official says Iran behind attack
A helicopter-borne commando raid has been conducted on a ship near the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, according to a video obtained by The Associated Press. According to a Mideast defense official, the attack was attributed to Iran amidst escalating tensions between Tehran and the West.
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13:48 (IST) Apr 13
Israel bracing for unprecedented direct Iran attack in days
Israel is bracing for a direct and unprecedented attack by Iran on government targets as soon as Saturday, according to people familiar with western intelligence assessments, a move that has the potential to trigger an all-out regional war. An assault from Iranian soil has emerged as one of the main scenarios expected by the Jewish state and its allies, said the people, who asked not to be identified as they aren’t authorized to discuss the matter publicly. A bombardment with drones and precision missiles could come within the next 48 hours, they said.
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13:45 (IST) Apr 13
Leaving hostages in Gaza breaks 'sacred' bond for Israelis
Six months after Hamas's October 7 attack, dozens of hostages are still languishing in captivity -- a fact that for many Israelis has ruptured a foundational contract between them and their government. "The Jewish people need protection, especially with who we live next to," said Einat Avni Levi, whose family home is within sight of Gaza. Five of her neighbours in the Nirim kibbutz community were killed and five more taken hostage by Hamas militants on October 7. (AFP)
12:54 (IST) Apr 13
Conflict zone: Air India & many foreign airlines now avoiding Iranian airspace
Air India and western airlines flying to India have started avoiding overflying Iran due to the looming threat of escalating tension in the region — increasing flying time between India and the west by about an hour. US President Joe Biden has said he expects Iran to attack Israel “sooner than later.” There are concerns that Iran could retaliate after its consulate in Syria was attacked recently.
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12:37 (IST) Apr 13
Netherlands will close its embassy in Tehran on Sunday 'as precaution'
12:23 (IST) Apr 13
Amid fears of retaliation to airstrike on Iranian embassy, Hezbollah fires dozens of missiles towards northern Israel
he Iran-backed Lebanese aimed militia, Hezbollah, on Friday, fired a barrage of missiles towards northern Israel, The Times of Israel reported, adding that the projectiles were intercepted by the country's defence systems, while some impacted open areas or fell short in Lebanon. The IDF said some 40 rockets were fired from Lebanon towards northern Israel. There were no immediate reports of injuries in the attack claimed by Hezbollah. After the attack, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) said its air defences shot down two explosive-laden drones launched by Hezbollah in northern Israel. Sirens were sounded even as shrapnel fell following the interception of the projectiles directed towards northern Israel. (ANI)
11:45 (IST) Apr 13
A Palestinian is killed as Israeli settlers rampage in his village and troops fire on stone-throwers
Dozens of Israeli settlers stormed into a Palestinian village in the Israeli-occupied West Bank on Friday, shooting and setting houses and cars on fire. The rampage killed a Palestinian man and wounded 25 others, Palestinian health officials said. The violence was the latest in an escalation in the West Bank that has accompanied Israel's war in the Gaza Strip. An Israeli rights group said the settlers were searching for a missing 14-year-old boy from their settlement. After the rampage, Israeli troops said they were still searching for the teen. (AP)
11:12 (IST) Apr 13
Israel says it opened new aid crossing into hard-hit northern Gaza
Israel said Friday it had opened a new crossing for aid trucks into hard-hit northern Gaza as it ramps up humanitarian deliveries to the besieged enclave. However, the United Nations says the surge of aid is not being felt in Gaza because of persistent distribution difficulties inside the war-torn territory. Six months of fighting in Gaza have pushed the besieged Palestinian enclave into deepening a humanitarian crisis, with more than 1 million people on the brink of starvation. (AP)
10:59 (IST) Apr 13
Israel prepares for potential Iranian attack in next 24 hours, US deploys warships: Report
10:38 (IST) Apr 13
Qantas redirects Perth-London flights to avoid Iran airspace
Australian airline Qantas said on Saturday it would redirect its long-haul flights between Perth and London to avoid Iran's airspace amid soaring Middle East tensions. A Qantas spokesperson told AFP the airline would temporarily adjust the flight paths due to "the situation in parts of the Middle East". "We'll reach out to customers directly if there's any change to their booking," the spokesperson said. The Perth-London flight, which is usually a non-stop 17-and-a-half hour journey, will now stop in Singapore to refuel, allowing it to carry a full load of passengers on an alternate route. (AFP)
09:12 (IST) Apr 13
'Don't': US President Biden warns Iran against potential attack on Israel
US President Joe Biden expressed his concern on Friday about a potential Iranian attack on Israel but warned Tehran against it."Don't," he said when asked by reporters about the attack. He emphasized the United States' commitment to defending Israel and said, "We are devoted to the defense of Israel. We will support Israel. We will help defend Israel, and Iran will not succeed," as quoted by Reuters.
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08:57 (IST) Apr 13
German police break up pro-Palestine event in Berlin
Police in Berlin interrupted and cancelled a pro-Palestine conference soon after it started, citing a risk of speech by a speaker banned from any political activity and imposed ban till Sunday, Al Jazeera reported. "At the 'Palestine Congress', a speaker was connected who is banned from political activity. There is a risk that a speaker, who has made anti-Semitic or violence-glorifying public statements in the past, will be called in repeatedly. Therefore, the meeting was terminated and a ban was also imposed for Saturday and Sunday," the police posted on X. (ANI)
08:56 (IST) Apr 13
Lufthansa stops using Iran airspace and keeps halt on Tehran flights
German airline Lufthansa said Friday its planes would no longer use Iranian airspace as it extended a suspension on flights to and from Tehran amid soaring Middle East tensions. "Due to the current situation, Lufthansa is suspending its flights to and from Tehran up to and including Thursday, 18 April," a company spokesperson said Friday. "The airline is also no longer using Iranian airspace." (AFP)
08:54 (IST) Apr 13
Israel on edge over Iran threat
00:48 (IST) Apr 13
Israel Gaza War Live: Biden says expecting Iranian attack on Israel 'sooner than later'
US President Joe Biden said Friday he was expecting Iran to attempt to strike Israel in the short term in retaliation for a strike in Syria but warned the clerical state not to attack. "I don't want to get into secure information but my expectation is sooner than later," Biden said.
23:25 (IST) Apr 12
Israel-Iran News Live: Hezbollah launches 'dozens' of rockets at Israeli positions
Lebanon's Iran-backed Hezbollah group claimed to have fired "dozens of Katyusha rockets" against Israeli artillery positions on Friday, in response to Israeli bombings in the south. Hezbollah fighters targeted "enemy artillery positions... with dozens of Katyusha rockets" the group said in a statement, adding it was "in response to the enemy's attacks on... southern villages and civilian homes". (AFP)
23:21 (IST) Apr 12
Israel Gaza War Live: Three Palestinians, including Hamas gunman, killed in West Bank raids
Israeli troops murdered two Palestinians, including a member of Hamas' armed wing, in raids in the occupied West Bank on Friday, and the Palestinian health ministry confirmed at least one death in an Israeli settler rampage near Ramallah, Reuters reported.
22:17 (IST) Apr 12
Residents reported heavy Israeli fire in central Gaza on Friday, with regional tensions soaring after Iran threatened reprisals over a strike in Syria this month that killed two Iranian generals. As talks for a truce and hostage release dragged on, fears that Iran could soon launch an attack on Israel spurred France to recommend its citizens avoid travelling to the region.
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20:51 (IST) Apr 12
Gaza's Tabatibi family is in mourning for the second time in less than a month, after separate Israeli bombardments on buildings they were sheltering in killed more than 60 of their kin. The latest strike occurred in the early hours of Friday in Gaza City's densely populated Daraj neighbourhood, killing at least 25 members of the family, a relative told AFP.
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20:23 (IST) Apr 12
Iran's threats to retaliate against Israel following a strike in Syria this month that killed two Iranian generals remain "real," the White House warned on Friday. "We still deem the potential threat by Iran here to be real, to be viable," National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told journalists.
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20:07 (IST) Apr 12
Israel Gaza War Live: 2 Palestinians killed and 3 injured in confrontations with Israeli forces in West Bank
Two Palestinians were killed early Friday in clashes with Israeli forces in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, according to Palestinian doctors and military officials. The Palestinian Red Crescent Society verified the two deaths and reported three injuries, one of which was serious. (AP)
19:30 (IST) Apr 12
Israel Gaza War Live: No Security Council 'consensus' on Palestinian UN membership
Members of the UN Security Council failed to reach a consensus Thursday on a bid by Palestinians for full UN membership, meaning the longshot effort is now likely headed for a more formal council vote. The Palestinians, who have had observer status at the world body since 2012, have lobbied for years to gain full membership, which would amount to recognition of Palestinian statehood. (AFP)
19:13 (IST) Apr 12
Israel Gaza War Live: Children play in rubble of Gaza for Eid holiday
Girls played on a homemade seesaw at a Gaza bomb site this week, while boys chased one other across rubble with fake weapons, their activities echoing an Eid al-Fitr holiday dominated by the war that has destroyed the enclave. Six months of an Israeli air and ground war in Gaza have altered many areas of life, with most residents forced to flee their homes, parts of the enclave fearing hunger, and illness spreading through the tent camps where many now reside. (Reuters)
13:49 (IST) Apr 12
Israel Gaza War Live: 33,634 Palestinians killed in Israel's offensive in Gaza since Oct.7, Gaza health ministry says
At least 33,634 Palestinians have been killed and 76,214 injured in Israel's military offensive in Gaza since Oct.7, the Gaza health ministry said in a statement on Friday.
In the past 24 hours, 89 Palestinians were killed and 120 were injured, the ministry added.
13:22 (IST) Apr 12
Israel Gaza War Live: China says urged US to play 'constructive role' in Middle East in Blinken call
China urged the United States to play "a constructive role" in the Middle East on Friday after its top diplomat Wang Yi spoke with his US counterpart Antony Blinken over the phone.
"China will continue to play a constructive role in the resolution of the Middle East issue... and contribute to cooling down the situation. The United States side in particular should play a constructive role," China's foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said when discussing the contents of the call at a regular presser.
13:13 (IST) Apr 12
Israel Gaza War Live: Israeli forces kill 2 in West Bank: Palestinian agency
Israeli forces shot dead two Palestinians in an early morning raid on Friday near the occupied West Bank city of Tubas, the Palestinian news agency Wafa reported.
One man was killed when Israeli soldiers opened fire on his vehicle in Tubas, the report said.
Another Palestinian was shot dead by Israeli gunfire when troops raided Al-Fara refugee camp near Tubas, the agency said.
The Israeli military did not have an immediate comment on the raid.
The area around Tubas in the northern West Bank is a stronghold of Palestinian armed groups and the frequent target of Israeli military incursions.
08:07 (IST) Apr 12
Israel Gaza War Live: Israel reports attempted terror attack at military post
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported that Thursday night a terrorist attack was thwarted when a Palestinian suspect arrived at a military checkpoint outside the town of al Fawar, located near Hebron. The IDF arrested the suspect and found a knife on her.
After an investigation of the incident, it became clear that she arrived at the post with the intention of carrying out an attack.
There were no casualties. (ANI)
16:58 (IST) Apr 11
Israel Gaza War Live: Netanyahu says Israel preparing for scenarios in other areas than Gaza
Israel is continuing its war in Gaza but is also preparing for scenarios in other areas, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Thursday, amid concern that Iran was preparing to strike Israel in response for the killing of senior Iranian commanders.
"We are preparing to meet the security needs of the State of Israel both in defence and attack," he said, in comments released by his office following a visit to an air force base in southern Israel.
13:57 (IST) Apr 11
Israel Gaza War Live: Netanyahu not consulted on killing of Haniyeh's sons, Israeli media say
Israeli forces killed three sons of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in an air strike in Gaza without consulting senior commanders or political leaders including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Israeli media reported on Thursday.
Quoting senior Israeli officials, Walla news agency said neither Netanyahu nor Defence Minister Yoav Gallant had been told in advance of the strike, which was coordinated by the Israeli military and the Shin Bet intelligence service.
It said Amir, Mohammad and Hazem Haniyeh had been targeted as fighters and not because they were the sons of Hamas's political leader. The Israeli military did not comment on reports that four of Haniyeh's grandchildren had also been killed.
No comment on the Walla report was immediately available from the prime minister's office or the military.
The killing of Haniyeh's relatives has added a potential complication to negotiations aimed at securing a halt in the fighting in Gaza in exchange for the return of the 133 Israeli hostages still believed to be held in the besieged enclave.
11:37 (IST) Apr 11
It was hours after sundown when the eight aid trucks drove from the makeshift jetty, cobbled together from tons of wreckage left across Gaza by months of war.
The trucks were escorted by three vehicles carrying aid workers from the World Central Kitchen, the relief organisation that had arranged the massive food shipment. All seven aid workers wore body armour. The cars were marked, including on the roof, with the group's emblem, a multi-coloured frying pan.
After a gruelling crawl along a beaten up road, it seemed like mission accomplished. The convoy dropped off its precious cargo at a warehouse, and the team prepared to head home.
There wasn't much more than a sliver of moon that night. The roads were dark, except for occasional patches where light spilled from buildings with their own generators.
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08:54 (IST) Apr 11
Amid the war on Hamas across the border in Gaza, Indian students studying in Israel expressed gratitude towards the Indian embassy and authorities in New Delhi for ensuring their safe return in the wake of the horrific terror attacks of October 7, last year, targeting the southern kibbutzes with co-ordinated strikes from the land, sea and air.
Rahul, a PhD student in organic chemistry in Israel, relived the initial chaos and confusion after Israel declared a war on Hamas, in response to the terror attacks that left over a thousand dead and injured many more. Even as the country counted its dead, the masked attackers crossed over into Gaza with hostages.
"When it (the war) started, it was all so sudden... it was chaos and confusion that day. And then things became clear. The embassy reached out to us about the flight back home. They assured us of sending back all of us who wanted to go home," he told ANI.
Rahul said the Indian embassy swiftly organized the evacuation, ensuring that all students willing to return home could do so within a span of two to three days.
"So, eventually, they took us back in two, three days. Like all the people who wanted to go home, we signed up via email and then they took us home in three days. And, yeah, it was very clear and we knew what to do exactly," he added, expressing appreciation for the clear guidance provided by the authorities.
Another Indian student echoed Rahul's sentiments, expressing gratitude towards both the Indian and Israeli governments for their assistance during the crisis.
"After the attacks of October 7, we received an email from the embassy. We contacted the embassy and the government of India. The Indian embassy was very kind to reach back with help. They made all the necessary arrangements... everything went off smoothly. So we would like to thank the Indian government, as well as the government of Israel," the student stated.
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23:48 (IST) Apr 10
Israel Gaza War Live: UK won't stop weapons to Israel: Cameron
The British government has concluded it can keep sending weapons to Israel, Foreign Secretary David Cameron said Tuesday, rejecting pressure to suspend exports over charges of humanitarian violations in Gaza. "On Israel and international humanitarian law, and as required by the UK's robust arms export control regime, I have now reviewed the most recent advice about the situation in Gaza and Israel's conduct of their military campaign," Cameron said on a visit to Washington.
23:14 (IST) Apr 10
Israel's military confirmed Wednesday its forces had carried out an air strike in Gaza that killed three of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh's sons. A military statement said "the three operatives" targeted in the strike were Amir, Mohammed and Hazem Haniyeh, adding that they were members of Hamas's military wing. The Palestinian group earlier said some of Haniyeh's grandchildren were also killed in the strike on a car.
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18:56 (IST) Apr 10
Israel Gaza War Live: Health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza says war death toll at 33,482
The health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza said Wednesday that at least 33,482 people have been killed in the territory during more than six months of war between Israel and Palestinian militants. The toll includes at least 122 deaths over the past 24 hours, a ministry statement said, adding that 76,049 people have been wounded in the Gaza Strip since the war began when Hamas militants attacked Israel on October 7.
