Hamas
Israeli military says Hamas commander slain in West Bank
It comes after many days of Israeli military attacks in the West Bank, which Palestinians regard as an escalation of the conflict in Gaza. Israeli border police claim to have assassinated a senior Hamas commander in the West Bank. The military claims Wassem Hazem was slain in a car containing weapons, ammunition, and substantial sums of cash.
Blinken travels to Israel for Gaza ceasefire talks
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is scheduled to visit Israel shortly in his latest attempt to broker a cease-fire and hostage-release agreement in Gaza. His eleventh journey to the region since the conflict began in October comes just days after the United States submitted a modified proposal aimed at closing long-standing gaps between the two sides. The United States and Israel have voiced hope about a solution since discussions resumed in Doha last week, but Hamas claims any progress is an "illusion".
PwC fined £15 million for fraud at London Capital & Finance
PWC has been fined £15 million for failing to warn about alleged fraud at London Capital & Finance (LCF). The auditor is the first accounting company to be penalised by the City authority. The Financial Conduct Authority's inquiry discovered that while working on the minibond company's 2016 accounts, PWC's audit team discovered several red lights but neglected to notify the regulator.
Joe Biden ‘optimistic’ about Middle East ceasefire despite Israeli bombings in Gaza and Lebanon
The US president's words come as regional tensions have risen in recent weeks, with fatal Israeli attacks reported in Gaza and Lebanon. US President Joe Biden has expressed greater optimism about a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas than in previous months. "As of an hour ago, we were still playing. I am optimistic. It's still not over. "Just a couple more issues, and I believe we have a shot," he told reporters on Friday.
Biden claims the Gaza ceasefire arrangement is closer than ever
Joe Biden stated that he was "optimistic" about reaching a ceasefire accord in Gaza. "We are closer than we've ever been," the US president said after the latest round of talks, adding that he was sending his secretary of state to Israel to continue the "intensive efforts to conclude this agreement". However, a senior Hamas official stated that there had been no development and that mediators were "selling illusions".
US orders Middle East submarine, carrier strike group faster sailing
US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin has directed the deployment of a guided missile submarine to the Middle East and the acceleration of the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier strike group's arrival. The order was issued on Sunday evening during a phone chat between Austin and Israeli Minister of Defence Yoav Galant, as tensions rose following the deaths of key Hamas and Iran-backed Hezbollah militants. Austin reaffirmed the United States' commitment to take every feasible measure to defend Israel, as well as the upgrading of US military force posture and capabilities throughout the Middle East in response to growing regional tensions, according to the Pentagon.
As Middle East simmers, European leaders urge moderation
France, Germany, and the United Kingdom have urged Iran and its allies to desist from planned strikes on Israel in response to the recent assassinations of prominent Hamas and Hezbollah members. On Monday, the leaders of the three European governments released a joint statement urging "de-escalation and regional stability" in the Middle East, as well as an immediate ceasefire. The death of two Iran-aligned leaders last month heightened global concern that the battle in Gaza will expand into an all-out regional warfare.
Israeli strike on Gaza school building reportedly kills dozens
An Israeli air assault on a school facility housing displaced Palestinians in Gaza City killed dozens of people, according to Hamas-run authorities in the area. According to an Israel Defence Forces (IDF) spokeswoman, al-Taba'een school "served as an active Hamas and Islamic Jihad military facility" with roughly 20 "militants" working there. The health ministry's ambulance service reported that at least 60 people were killed and 47 injured.
Hamas leader underestimated 7 October attack’s danger
Hamas leader underestimated 7 October attack's danger
Hamas claims 70 killed in Israeli airstrike on camp
Hamas claims 70 killed in Israeli airstrike on camp
UK conducts flights to find Hamas-held hostages
UK conducts flights to find Hamas-held hostages
UK sends warship to Gulf amid Israel-Hamas tensions
UK sends warship to Gulf amid Israel-Hamas tensions