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At least nine pro-Tehran fighters, including an Iranian Revolutionary Guards commander, were among 13 people killed in air strikes in eastern Syria on Tuesday, a war monitor said.
"Nine pro-Iranian fighters, including a Revolutionary Guards commander, were killed in air strikes targeting the villa they were staying in, which served as a communications centre," the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.
Full StoryHamas leader Ismail Haniyeh was in Tehran on Tuesday for talks with Iranian officials, state media reported, a day after the U.N. Security Council called for a ceasefire in the group's war with Israel.
"Hamas bureau chief Ismail Haniyeh, during his trip to Tehran on Tuesday, will meet with Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian," Iran's official IRNA news agency said, adding that he will also meet with other senior officials.
Full StoryThe U.N. Security Council has called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza five months into the grinding war, despite Israel's ally the United States abstaining.
Here are some reactions to the resolution to halt fighting over the Muslim holy month of Ramadan with an aim for a "lasting" truce, which drew rare applause at the Security Council:
Full StoryIsraeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has canceled a planned visit to Washington by a high-level delegation to protest Monday’s U.N. Security Council decision calling for an immediate cease-fire in Gaza.
The resolution passed 14-0 on Monday after the U.S. decided not to use its veto power and instead abstained. The U.S. has previously vetoed three resolutions demanding a cease-fire.
Full StoryHamas welcomed a U.N. resolution Monday calling for a ceasefire in its war against Israel, and said it was ready to negotiate the release of hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.
"Hamas welcomes the United Nations Security Council's call today for an immediate ceasefire" in the Gaza Strip, the militant group said, adding: "We also affirm our readiness to engage in an immediate prisoner exchange process that leads to the release of prisoners on both sides."
Full StoryThe U.N. Security Council for the first time on Monday demanded a ceasefire in Gaza, with the United States, Israel's ally which has vetoed previous bids, abstaining.
The resolution, which demands an "immediate ceasefire" for the ongoing Muslim holy month of Ramadan that leads to a "lasting" truce, went through, with all other 14 Security Council members voting yes.
Full StoryAid groups that visited a packed Gaza hospital described an “unimaginable” situation in which large open wounds were left untreated.
An emergency medical team organized by three aid groups spent two weeks carrying out surgeries and other care at the European Gaza Hospital near Khan Younis. The southern city has seen heavy fighting between Israeli forces and Palestinian militants since the start of the year.
Full StoryChina said Monday it supported a new draft resolution at the U.N. Security Council on an "immediate" ceasefire in Gaza, after it and Russia vetoed an earlier text proposed by the United States.
"China supports this draft resolution and commends Algeria and other Arab countries for their hard work in this regard," foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said, adding: "We hope the Security Council will pass it as soon as possible and send a strong signal for the cessation of hostilities."
Full StoryDeep differences exist between Hamas and Israel in negotiations for a Gaza truce, an official from the Palestinian militant group with knowledge of the talks told AFP on Saturday.
The difficult talks over a ceasefire and possible exchange of hostages and prisoners resumed in Doha this week, with Israel's spy chief joining Egyptian, Qatari and U.S. mediators.
Full StoryIsraeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant will leave Sunday for talks in the United States, the government said, amid growing tensions between the allies over the war in Gaza.
Gallant will meet with U.S. counterpart Lloyd Austin, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan "and additional senior officials", a statement said.
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