israel Archives - India Podcast

Gaza death toll of 70,000 reportedly accepted by Israel military

Sirisha P — Fri, 30 Jan 2026 11:46:35 +0000

Israel military reported to accept death toll of around 70,000 in Gaza, officials said on Friday, signaling acknowledgment of the scale of civilian casualties in the ongoing conflict. Israel military reported to accept death toll of around 70,000 in Gaza as international agencies continue to monitor the humanitarian situation.

The United Nations has consistently relied on death toll figures provided by Gaza’s health authorities, considering them accurate for humanitarian reporting and aid planning. Israel, however, has repeatedly questioned the credibility of these figures, arguing that the health ministry in Gaza is controlled by Hamas.

Sources said the Israeli military now appears to recognize the approximate scale of casualties while still disputing specific details. The acknowledgment comes amid mounting international pressure and scrutiny over civilian losses in the region.

Humanitarian organizations warned that the death toll underscores the urgent need for medical and relief support in Gaza. UN officials emphasized that civilian protection must remain a priority for all parties involved.

Analysts noted that acceptance of casualty figures, even in approximate terms, could influence diplomatic negotiations, ceasefire talks, and future accountability measures. The ongoing conflict has caused widespread destruction of infrastructure and displacement of residents across Gaza.

Israeli and international authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, with calls for an immediate reduction in hostilities and safe passage for civilians.

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US Sends 200 Troops to Israel to Oversee Gaza Ceasefire Deal

Anil Vanna — Fri, 10 Oct 2025 04:50:08 +0000

The United States will send 200 troops to Israel to monitor the Gaza ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, US media reported. A senior US official said the task force will ensure both sides respect the truce and report any violations.

Troops from Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey will join the American team, the official confirmed. They will stay in Israel and handle logistics, transport, engineering, and planning tasks. “There will be no US boots on the ground in Gaza,” the official added.

Former US President Donald Trump announced the ceasefire on his Truth Social platform. The deal includes a hostage-prisoner exchange, freeing around 20 Israeli hostages and the remains of others. The Israeli cabinet, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, approved the agreement after two years of fighting.

The truce is expected to begin within 24 hours. US troops may deploy immediately to help deliver humanitarian aid into Gaza. Their mission also includes managing coordination and ensuring both parties follow the ceasefire terms.

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As Israel Remembers Hamas Attack, Shashi Tharoor Urges End to Gaza Violence

Samina — Tue, 07 Oct 2025 12:31:39 +0000

Israel marked the second anniversary of the October 7 Hamas attack on Tuesday, as thousands gathered in southern Israel to mourn the victims. The attack, one of the deadliest in Israel’s history, saw Hamas militants launch a surprise rocket barrage and infiltrate army bases, communities, and the Nova music festival. Around 1,200 civilians were killed, and 251 were abducted, with 48 hostages still held in Gaza.

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor posted on X, expressing sorrow and urging peace: “A day to bow our heads in prayer and remembrance for all the lives lost… And a fervent wish that the horror ends — very soon.”

Memorials were held at key sites, including the Nova festival near Reim, where nearly 400 people died. Survivors and families observed a moment of silence at dawn, stopping music at exactly 6:29 am—the moment the attack began. Many shared memories and grief, emphasizing the lasting impact of the tragedy.

Meanwhile, Israel’s military operations in Gaza continue. Tens of thousands have died in retaliatory strikes, vast areas have been destroyed, and 90% of Gaza’s population has been displaced, triggering a severe humanitarian crisis with hunger and famine affecting parts of Gaza City.

The legacy of October 7 has reshaped the region, prompting clashes with Iran and its allies, targeted strikes on militants, and Israeli advances in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria. Political leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress leader Sonia Gandhi, have condemned attacks on civilians and emphasized the need for peace.

The anniversary serves as a reminder of the human cost of conflict and the urgent need for an end to violence in the region.

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Hamas, Israel Talks in Egypt on Gaza Ceasefire

Anil Vanna — Mon, 06 Oct 2025 04:13:43 +0000

A Hamas delegation reached Egypt on Sunday for talks on the Gaza ceasefire plan. The meeting is scheduled in Sharm El Sheikh on Monday, officials said. Egyptian sources confirmed that discussions will be held with Hamas first and later with an Israeli delegation.

The agenda is focused on the first stage of US President Donald Trump’s 20-point plan. Prisoner exchanges between Hamas and Israel are central issues. Another key topic is the procedure for Hamas to hand over its weapons. Egyptian officials will deliver the outcomes to US envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump’s adviser Jared Kushner.

According to Egypt’s foreign ministry, both delegations will review “field conditions” and discuss the release of all Israeli detainees and Palestinian prisoners. Israel has stopped airstrikes in Gaza to allow the negotiations. Trump warned Hamas against delays and demanded a fast settlement through his social media posts.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that he expects positive news soon. He said hostage release announcements may come in the next few days. The talks in Egypt are seen as a crucial step to ease tensions. International focus remains on whether Hamas and Israel can implement the ceasefire plan successfully.

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Spain Urges UN to Recognize Palestine

Anil Vanna — Tue, 23 Sep 2025 06:52:09 +0000

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez urged the United Nations to admit Palestine as a full member state during a French-led summit in New York on September 22. He emphasized that the process must be completed soon and on equal footing with other states.

Sanchez described the summit as “only the beginning” and called for immediate measures to stop the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Spain, along with Ireland and Norway, formally recognized Palestine in May, drawing sharp criticism from Israel.

Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas addressed the summit virtually, urging Hamas to surrender weapons and condemning civilian killings, including those by Hamas during the October 7, 2023 attacks. The summit aimed to advance international recognition of Palestinian statehood.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to block Palestinian statehood, while far-right ministers support annexing the West Bank. The Biden administration also opposed the recognition, citing concerns that it rewards Hamas. The ongoing debate highlights divisions among global powers over Palestine’s international status.

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Two-State Solution Israel Palestine: Global Push Gains Momentum

Samina — Mon, 22 Sep 2025 09:38:03 +0000

The two-state solution Israel Palestine has returned to the spotlight as France and Saudi Arabia push for global support at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). The ongoing Gaza conflict has heightened urgency for a resolution widely seen as the only viable path to lasting peace.

Countries including Britain, Canada, and Australia officially recognized Palestine, joining nearly 150 nations. France is expected to follow at the UNGA, with a roadmap for a Palestinian state in territories captured during the 1967 war. UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned, “Without a two-state solution, there will be no peace in the Middle East.”

However, Israel has rejected Palestinian statehood, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warning that unilateral moves would provoke retaliation. The US has also opposed Palestinian participation at the UNGA. Netanyahu’s coalition continues plans to annex parts of the West Bank, complicating the creation of a viable state.

The French-Saudi plan calls for an immediate Gaza ceasefire, release of hostages, Israeli withdrawal, and transfer of authority to a politically independent Palestinian committee aligned with the Palestinian Authority. It also includes international peacekeepers, Gaza reconstruction, and eventual regional integration, including Saudi normalization with Israel.

Despite growing international momentum, obstacles remain. Gaza is devastated, nearly 90% of residents displaced, and the West Bank hosts over 500,000 Israeli settlers. Hamas’ refusal to recognize Israel and the Palestinian Authority’s loss of credibility further complicate negotiations. Analysts warn Netanyahu’s vision of a “Greater Israel” conflicts directly with Palestinian sovereignty.

The two-state solution Israel Palestine remains crucial, but its success depends on political compromise, international support, and a credible Palestinian governance structure.

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Palestine Recognition Dominates UN General Assembly

Anil Vanna — Mon, 22 Sep 2025 05:28:15 +0000

The UN General Assembly’s high-level week is dominated by the issue of Palestine. Ahead of Tuesday’s main session, leaders are holding a summit on Palestinian statehood on Monday. Britain and several Western nations announced their recognition of Palestine on Sunday. Additionally, France will follow suit.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas will address the summit via video link after the US denied him a visa. Moreover, the Assembly voted 145 in favor, six abstentions, and five against, showing strong global support for Palestine. However, US opposition limits the recognition to a symbolic gesture, while Israel continues settlement expansion in the West Bank.

Meanwhile, the UN faces other pressing issues, including financial challenges and declining global trust. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is pushing the UN80 initiative, which focuses on peace, sustainable development, and human rights. Nevertheless, key leaders, including India’s PM Modi, Russia’s Putin, and China’s Xi, will not attend the high-level session.

Beyond the Assembly hall, nations are conducting crucial diplomacy through bilateral and multilateral meetings. For instance, India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar started discussions with the Philippines, emphasizing strategic cooperation in political, defense, and maritime sectors. Consequently, countries are seeking ways to navigate global polarization and urgent international crises.

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Gaza Israeli Strikes Kill 15 Including Journalists

Khazavali — Tue, 26 Aug 2025 09:36:17 +0000

Israeli airstrikes on Gaza are continuing with more intensity, leaving civilians in deep distress. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) targeted Najar Hospital in Gaza City on Monday. At least 15 people, including three journalists and Reuters photographer Hatem Khaled, were killed, according to Palestinian health officials.

Since the war began on October 7, 2023, more than 62,000 Palestinians have lost their lives, while lakhs have been injured. The toll also includes over 200 media professionals, making journalism one of the most dangerous jobs in the region. Israel insists that Hamas remains its main target, but innocent civilians continue to pay the price.

The United Nations has raised alarm over a severe famine in Gaza, calling it the first such crisis in West Asia. UN aid chief Tom Fletcher said nearly five lakh people are facing extreme hunger, describing it as a “man-made tragedy.” He accused Israel of blocking food supplies, worsening the humanitarian crisis.

Israel, however, rejected the UN’s claims, stating that Hamas propaganda influenced the reports. Officials denied the presence of famine and defended their military operations as necessary for eliminating Hamas. The conflict, now dragging on for 22 months, shows little sign of resolution.

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