Israel Gaza War Live Updates: ICC issues arrest warrants for Israel's Netanyahu, Gallant and Hamas leader

The British government has indicated that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu could face arrest under an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant if he travels to the UK. The ICC issued warrants for Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant on charges of crimes against humanity and war crimes related to Israel's actions in Gaza following Hamas's October 7, 2023 attack. While Prime Minister Keir Starmer's spokesman avoided commenting on the specifics, he emphasized that the UK would comply with both domestic and international law. The UK's ICC Act 2001 mandates that an arrest request from the ICC be transmitted to a court, and if the warrant is verified, it could lead to detention. This law has not been tested, as no ICC-indicted person has visited the UK before.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni emphasised that the responsibilities of Israel and Hamas in the ongoing Middle East conflict cannot be considered equal, whilst discussing the International Criminal Court's arrest warrants for Israeli and Hamas leaders.

"In the next few days I will delve into the motivations that led to the International Criminal Court's ruling. Motivations that should always be objective and not political," Meloni stated.

"One point remains firm for this government: there can be no equivalence between the responsibilities of the State of Israel and the terrorist organisation Hamas," she continued.

The prime minister indicated that the ICC ruling would be discussed at the upcoming G7 foreign ministers meeting, scheduled to take place in the central Italian town of Fiuggi on November 25-26.

Activists supporting Palestine presented their case to a Dutch court on March 22, arguing that the Netherlands' arms trade with Israel breaches international law. This legal challenge came just one day after the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over alleged war crimes. Should The Hague District Court uphold their complaint, it would prohibit the Netherlands from supplying weapons or weapon components to Israel and restrict trade with occupied territories. The nation has previously ceased shipping F-35 fighter jet components to Israel following a comparable legal proceeding earlier in the year.

"The government uses my own tax money, that I pay, to kill my own family. I've lost 18 members of my own family," stated Ahmed Abofoul in a crowded courtroom. Abofoul serves as the legal adviser for Al-Haq, one of ten organisations that have initiated legal action against the government.

Israel’s military reported killing five Hamas militants, including two commanders, in an overnight raid in Beit Lahia, northern Gaza. The commanders, Jihad Kahlout and Muhammad Okel, were allegedly involved in the October 7 attacks on Israel. Palestinian medics reported dozens killed or missing in the raid, with additional casualties from strikes in nearby areas. Separately, the military also killed Khalid Abu Daqqa, a commander of Islamic Jihad’s rocket unit, in a Wednesday airstrike. Gaza’s health ministry states thousands have died in the ongoing conflict, and infrastructure, including a hospital generator, has been severely damaged by Israeli strikes.

Israel's military reported killing two Hamas commanders involved in the October 7, 2023, attack during intensified operations in northern Gaza. Meanwhile, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for alleged war crimes, prompting backlash from Israel, the US, and other nations. In Gaza, Israeli airstrikes reportedly killed dozens, with heavy casualties in Beit Lahia and Jabalia.

Separately, Israel conducted strikes in southern Beirut and Lebanon's south, targeting Hezbollah. Cross-border fighting with Hezbollah has escalated, contributing to Lebanon's toll of 3,583 deaths since October 2023. The Gaza conflict has killed over 44,000 Palestinians, most civilians, per local health authorities.

Germany is reviewing the implications of the ICC's arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former defense minister Yoav Gallant, according to foreign minister Annalena Baerbock. She emphasised Germany's commitment to international law as an ICC member but noted the situation remains theoretical. The warrants, issued for alleged war crimes during Israel's response to Hamas' October 2023 attack, also target Hamas military leader Mohammed Deif, whose death in an Israeli airstrike remains unconfirmed. Israel and its allies strongly condemned the move, while the EU stated enforcement of the warrants is not a political matter.

Iran's Revolutionary Guards chief, General Hossein Salami, hailed the International Criminal Court's (ICC) arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former defense minister Yoav Gallant as a "political death" for Israel, marking its isolation. The warrants, issued for alleged war crimes during Israel's response to Hamas' October 2023 attack, also target Hamas military chief Mohammed Deif. Israel and its allies, including the US, denounced the move, while rights groups like Amnesty International supported it. The warrants limit Netanyahu's international travel within the ICC's 124 member nations.

The Israeli military said on Friday it had "eliminated" five Hamas militants, including two commanders, in an overnight raid in northern Gaza's Beit Lahia.

In a statement, the military and the Shin Bet security agency said they had "eliminated five Hamas terrorists, including a Nukhba (commando) company commander and an additional company commander who participated in the October 7 massacre" that sparked the Gaza war last year, adding that the slain militants had "led the murders and kidnappings in the area of Mefalsim", a kibbutz in southern Israel.

An Israeli court partially lifted a gag order on Sunday, revealing that Eli Feldstein, a media adviser to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, is a key suspect in a classified information leak. This comes as critics allege the leaks were intended to provide political cover for Netanyahu amid stalled Gaza ceasefire talks.

Netanyahu denied any wrongdoing, insisting Feldstein “never participated in security discussions” or handled classified information. Reports indicate Feldstein allegedly leaked documents to European outlets, including the London-based Jewish Chronicle and Germany’s Bild. The Chronicle article, later retracted, falsely claimed Hamas planned to move hostages through Egypt. Bild alleged Hamas was exploiting negotiations to undermine Israel.

Observers noted the articles echoed Netanyahu’s demands for permanent Israeli control over Gaza’s Philadelphi Corridor. Hamas rejected this, accusing Netanyahu of sabotaging talks mediated by the US, Qatar, and Egypt. Meanwhile, Netanyahu faced criticism from hostage families and mass protests over his handling of the crisis.

The leak led to resignations at the Jewish Chronicle, which disowned the articles. Israeli officials warned the leak endangered national security and undermined war efforts. Netanyahu’s office, however, dismissed the allegations, claiming the documents only supported efforts to secure the hostages’ release.

Critics, including pro-Netanyahu columnist Yoav Limor, called it “one of Israel’s gravest affairs,” with accusations that Netanyahu’s office may have derailed hostage negotiations.

The United States has rejected the International Criminal Court's (ICC) arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, issued over alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre criticised the ICC's decision, citing procedural errors and the court's lack of jurisdiction. "We fundamentally reject the court's decision," she said, reaffirming US support for Israel.

The ICC accused Netanyahu and Gallant of targeting civilians and implementing starvation policies during Israel's military operations in Gaza. Netanyahu dismissed the charges as "antisemitic" and likened them to the Dreyfus Affair. "This antisemitic decision of the international court is a modern Dreyfus trial," he said in a video statement, defending Israel's military actions and humanitarian efforts in Gaza, including the provision of food and medical supplies.

Netanyahu condemned the ICC for ignoring atrocities in countries like Iran, Syria, and Yemen, while focusing on Israel. He also highlighted Hamas's use of civilians as human shields, accusing the militant group of looting aid meant for Gaza residents. "No biased anti-Israel decision in The Hague will prevent the State of Israel from defending its citizens," he stated, thanking allies, particularly the US, for their support.

Israel has consistently refused to recognise the ICC's jurisdiction, and Netanyahu reiterated that the country would continue defending itself against what he called "Iran's Axis of terror."

A small pot of lentils cooked over a fire of twigs and scrap paper was the only meal Yasmin Eid and her family could afford on Wednesday. Displaced five times, she now lives in a tent in central Gaza with her husband and four daughters.

“My girls suck on their thumbs because of how hungry they are,” Eid said, recounting the hardships of raising children in a region facing severe food shortages.

The Gaza Strip is grappling with a worsening hunger crisis, with the United Nations reporting a stark rise in households experiencing severe food insecurity. Central Gaza, where aid groups have relatively better access, still faces growing challenges, while northern Gaza remains largely isolated and in ruins. Experts warn a famine may already be unfolding in the north.

The International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants on Thursday against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former defence minister, accusing them of employing “starvation as a method of warfare” during the ongoing offensive against Hamas. The charges, which Israel strongly denies, add to the tension in a region devastated by a 13-month conflict and the October 2023 Hamas attack on Israel.

In Deir al-Balah, hundreds of thousands are sheltering in overcrowded tent camps. Local bakeries were forced to shut down for five days this week, driving the price of bread to over $13 a bag before limited supplies resumed.

The situation worsened when nearly 100 aid trucks were looted at gunpoint in southern Gaza last weekend. Israel blames Hamas for the looting, while Hamas attributes it to local criminal activity. Aid groups say the looting, combined with ongoing fighting, movement restrictions, and the destruction of infrastructure, is making it increasingly difficult to deliver essential supplies to Gaza’s 2.3 million residents.

As food supplies dwindle and the conflict drags on, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza shows no signs of easing.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has sharply criticised the International Criminal Court (ICC) after it issued an arrest warrant against him, labelling the move as "absurd and false." In a statement, Netanyahu said Israel "rejects with disgust the absurd and false actions" and defended the ongoing conflict in Gaza, declaring, "There is nothing more just than the war that Israel has been waging in Gaza."

The ICC issued arrest warrants on Thursday for Netanyahu, former Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, and several Hamas officials. The court accused them of war crimes and crimes against humanity over the 13-month war in Gaza and Hamas's October 2023 attack on Israel, which resulted in over 1,200 deaths, mostly civilians.

The warrants have made Netanyahu and others internationally wanted suspects, potentially complicating efforts to broker a cease-fire. However, the practical impact of the warrants may be limited, as Israel and its key ally, the United States, are not members of the ICC. Additionally, two Hamas officials named in the warrants were killed in the conflict.

Netanyahu has dismissed the ICC's actions as politically motivated, describing Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan's request for the warrants as "disgraceful and antisemitic." His sentiments were echoed by US President Joe Biden, who criticised the court's actions and reiterated support for Israel's right to self-defence. Hamas also condemned the ICC's decision.

The ICC’s move is expected to heighten international tensions, as both sides in the conflict face mounting accusations of war crimes.

The death toll in Gaza from the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has exceeded 44,000, according to local health officials on Thursday. The Gaza Health Ministry has reported 44,056 fatalities and more than 104,000 injuries since the war began. However, the true toll is believed to be higher due to bodies being trapped under rubble or in areas inaccessible to medics. More than half of the fatalities are said to be women and children, though the ministry does not separate civilian and combatant casualties in its count.

The war began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants launched a brutal attack on southern Israel, killing around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and taking 250 hostages. While many hostages have since been released during ceasefire agreements, approximately 100 remain in Gaza, with a third presumed dead.

In addition to the mounting death toll in Gaza, Lebanon has also seen significant casualties. The Lebanese Health Ministry reports that Israeli strikes and clashes have killed over 3,580 people and wounded more than 15,000. On Thursday alone, at least 51 people died in Israeli airstrikes on towns and villages across Lebanon.

The war has devastated Gaza, with 90% of the population displaced, many multiple times, and living in overcrowded, makeshift camps with insufficient food, water, or basic services. Israel defends its actions, stating that it targets Hamas militants, who operate within residential areas, including tunnels and rocket launchers. However, Palestinian officials and international rights groups have accused Israel of war crimes, including genocide, claims which the Israeli government denies, accusing critics of bias.

Humanitarian aid to Gaza has dropped dramatically, and experts warn that northern Gaza could already be facing famine. Despite months of negotiations, a ceasefire remains elusive, with Hamas and Israel at an impasse over the terms, particularly the release of remaining hostages.

Argentina's President Javier Milei has strongly condemned the International Criminal Court (ICC) for issuing arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former defence minister Yoav Gallant, accusing the court of ignoring Israel's right to self-defense. In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), Milei called the ICC's decision a direct affront to Israel’s legitimate defence against attacks by terrorist groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah.

The ICC issued warrants for Netanyahu, Gallant, and Hamas military leader Mohammed Deif, accusing them of crimes against humanity and war crimes committed between October 8, 2023, and May 20, 2024. This comes after Hamas launched a devastating raid on Israel on October 7, 2023, that resulted in the deaths of 1,206 people, most of them civilians. Since then, Israel has been involved in a war with Hamas in Gaza.

The health ministry in Gaza reported that over 44,000 people have died as a result of the conflict, with the United Nations confirming these figures. Milei condemned the ICC’s actions, stating, "Criminalizing the legitimate defense of a nation while ignoring these atrocities is an act that distorts the spirit of international justice."

Later in the day, Milei reaffirmed Argentina's strong ties with Israel, announcing that his government was working on a historic memorandum to strengthen the bilateral alliance. He highlighted the countries' shared commitment to freedom, democracy, and fighting terrorism.

Milei has been a vocal supporter of Israel, even visiting the country earlier this year and drawing comparisons between Hamas's actions and the Holocaust. He has also proposed moving Argentina's embassy to Jerusalem, signalling his strong alignment with Israeli interests.

The arrest warrant issued against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over the war in Gaza does not bar UN officials from meeting with him in the course of their work, the UN said Thursday.

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres and Netanyahu have not spoken since the war started as a result of the Hamas attack against Israel on October 7, 2023, although there have been contacts with the Israeli leader by UN officials in the region.

Guterres has been declared persona non grata by Israel, which accuses him of being biased in favor of the Palestinians. So talks between him and Netanyahu are very unlikely.

After the warrants issued Thursday by the International Criminal Court against Netanyahu, former defense minister Yoav Gallant and Hamas's military chief Mohammed Deif, UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said UN policy on contacts with people facing arrest warrants dates back to a document issued in 2013.

Hamas has accused the United States of being "directly responsible" for Israel's "genocidal war" in Gaza after Washington vetoed a UN Security Council resolution calling for a ceasefire.

On Wednesday, Israeli forces killed at least 48 Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, including a rescue worker, as troops intensified their incursion along the northern edge of the territory. The assault included bombarding a hospital and demolishing homes, according to health officials.

In the Jabalia area of northern Gaza, medics reported that at least 12 people were killed in an airstrike on a house, with 10 others still missing as rescue efforts continued. Nearby, a man was killed by tank shelling. Later, health officials confirmed another 15 fatalities in an airstrike on a house in Gaza City's Sheikh Radwan neighborhood.

Meanwhile, Israeli airstrikes targeted a densely populated area in central Beirut, Lebanon, striking near the Parliament, multiple embassies, and the UN headquarters, as reported by Lebanon's state-run National News Agency. The Lebanese health ministry stated that the attack killed at least five people and injured 31 others.

France's foreign ministry spokesman said on Thursday that France's reaction to the International Criminal Court(ICC) issuing an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will be in line with court's statutes.

Judges at the ICC on Thursday issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former defence chief Yoav Gallant, as well as Hamas leader Ibrahim Al-Masri, commonly known as Deif, for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity.

The Netherlands is prepared to act upon the arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) against Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu if needed, Dutch news agency ANP reported on Thursday, citing the country's foreign minister Caspar Veldkamp as its source.

Judges at the ICC on Thursday issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former defence chief Yoav Gallant, as well as Hamas leader Ibrahim Al-Masri, commonly known as Deif, for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity.

The International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants on Thursday for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, his former defense minister and Hamas officials, accusing them of war crimes and crimes against humanity over the war in Gaza and the October 2023 attacks that triggered Israel’s offensive in the Palestinian territory.
The decision turns Netanyahu and the others into internationally wanted suspects and is likely to further isolate them and complicate efforts to negotiate a cease-fire to end the 13-month conflict. But its practical implications could be limited since Israel and its major ally, the United States, are not members of the court and several of the Hamas officials have been subsequently killed in the conflict.

Netanyahu and other Israeli leaders have condemned ICC Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan’s request for warrants as disgraceful and antisemitic. U.S. President Joe Biden also blasted the prosecutor and expressed support for Israel’s right to defend itself against Hamas. Hamas also slammed the request.

“The Chamber considered that there are reasonable grounds to believe that both individuals intentionally and knowingly deprived the civilian population in Gaza of objects indispensable to their survival, including food, water, and medicine and medical supplies, as well as fuel and electricity,” the three-judge panel wrote in its unanimous decision to issue warrants for Netanyahu and his former defense minister, Yoav Gallant.

US envoy Amos Hochstein, seeking to broker a ceasefire in the Israel-Hezbollah war, will meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday, the premier's office said.

The announcement by spokesman Omer Dostri came after Israeli media outlets reported that Hochstein had arrived in Israel on Wednesday evening and held talks with Israeli Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer.

The meeting between Hochstein and Netanyahu was scheduled to take place at 12:30 pm (1030 GMT), according to a statement from the Israeli leader's Likud party.

In Beirut on Wednesday, the US envoy met twice with Lebanese parliament speaker Nabih Berri, who has led mediation efforts on behalf of the Iran-backed Hezbollah armed group.

The coastal Lebanese city of Tyre witnessed several airstrikes reportedly carried out by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).

These strikes followed evacuation warnings issued by the IDF for residents in specific neighbourhoods, urging them to move north or beyond the Awali River to avoid potential harm.

The IDF stated the airstrikes were aimed at Hezbollah targets in the area. It reiterated its message that civilians near Hezbollah facilities or weapons were at risk and urged them to leave for their safety.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have reported the killing of nine Palestinian gunmen during a two-day operation in the West Bank city of Jenin.

Among them, three armed men responsible for recent shooting attacks were targeted and killed in a drone strike. The military noted secondary explosions at the strike site, suggesting the presence of stored weapons.

In addition to the strike, six gunmen were killed in direct clashes with Israeli troops. Hamas has claimed at least three of those killed as its members.

During the raid, the IDF destroyed four facilities used for making explosives, seized weapons caches, and neutralised bombs buried under roads. Footage of the drone strike has been released by the IDF.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported that air defenses successfully intercepted a rocket launched from the southern Gaza Strip towards the Israeli border community of Kerem Shalom.

Sirens blared in the area during the incident, but there were no reported injuries. T

The interception comes amidst heightened tensions, as cross-border exchanges continue between Israeli forces and militant groups in Gaza.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) conducted airstrikes on Beirut's southern suburbs overnight, a Hezbollah stronghold, marking an escalation after a brief lull during US special envoy Amos Hochstein’s visit to Lebanon.

Ahead of the operation, the IDF issued evacuation warnings to minimise civilian casualties.

The strikes reflect heightened tensions between Israel and Hezbollah amidst ongoing cross-border hostilities. This development underscores the fragile situation in the region as diplomatic efforts for a ceasefire continue.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have urged residents in areas east of the Lebanese coastal city of Tyre to evacuate immediately as airstrikes loom.

IDF spokesperson Col. Avichay Adraee released maps pinpointing Burj el-Shemali, al-Housh, and Maashouq, advising civilians to move northward or toward the Awali River.

“Hezbollah’s terror activities force the IDF to act forcefully against it in these areas, and we do not intend to harm you.

Anyone who is near Hezbollah elements, facilities, or weapons is putting his life in danger,” Adraee said.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported that its air force successfully intercepted a drone from Lebanon on Wednesday, which had triggered air raid sirens in the northern coastal city of Nahariya and nearby communities.

The military confirmed that no injuries were reported during the incident. This marks the latest aerial breach as tensions along the Lebanon-Israel border remain heightened. The IDF continues to monitor the situation closely.

Residents of Nahariya and nearby communities in northern Israel were alarmed on Wednesday as drone alerts sounded across the region.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the presence of "a suspicious aerial target" that had crossed into Israeli airspace from Lebanon.

The IDF stated that the air force is actively monitoring the intrusion.

In a pre-recorded address on Wednesday, Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem announced that the group had reviewed a US ceasefire proposal and submitted its response through Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri. Qassem stated that the next move now lies with Israel.

While refraining from disclosing Hezbollah's stance, Qassem emphasised the group’s commitment to two principles in the negotiations: a full cessation of hostilities and the preservation of Lebanese sovereignty.

Rejecting Israel's position that it could continue striking Hezbollah post-truce, Qassem asserted that such actions would violate Lebanon's sovereignty. His remarks come amid heightened tensions and ongoing efforts to mediate a ceasefire between the two sides.

US Mideast envoy Amos Hochstein arrived in Israel on Wednesday to advance talks aimed at securing a ceasefire with Hezbollah. This followed “additional progress” during his second meeting with Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri in Beirut, amidst ongoing cross-border attacks.

Hochstein expressed optimism, noting a "real opportunity" to resolve the conflict after the Lebanese government and Hezbollah largely accepted a US-proposed ceasefire, despite unresolved issues.

After arriving in Israel, Hochstein met with strategic affairs minister Ron Dermer, a key adviser to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. While Hochstein’s schedule is not yet finalised, reports indicate a meeting with Netanyahu is expected on Thursday morning.

The negotiations come as tensions between Israel and Hezbollah continue to intensify, with both sides engaging in frequent exchanges of fire across the border.

Hochstein’s diplomatic efforts are seen as critical to achieving a lasting cessation of hostilities in the volatile region.

Israeli air strikes on Wednesday targeted the Syrian city of Palmyra, resulting in at least 36 deaths and over 50 injuries, according to the Syrian Defence Ministry. The attack, launched from the Al-Tanf area, caused extensive material damage, the ministry said.

However, the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported a higher death toll of 61, with fatalities including 33 Syrians linked to Iranian militias, 22 non-Syrians, four Hezbollah members, and two unidentified individuals. The monitor noted the toll could rise further due to the severity of injuries.

The strikes are the deadliest in Syria since the conflict between Iran-backed Hezbollah and Israel intensified on September 23. Palmyra, a Unesco World Heritage Site known for its ancient Greco-Roman ruins, suffered no direct damage to its archaeological sites, according to Nazir Awad, Syria's director general of Antiquities and Museums.

Syria’s foreign ministry condemned the strikes, calling them "brutal Israeli aggression" and accusing Israel of ongoing crimes against regional nations and peoples.

While Israel has not commented specifically on the attack, it has consistently stated its intent to prevent Iran's influence from expanding in Syria.

Israeli forces killed at least 48 Palestinians in the Gaza Strip on Wednesday, including a rescue worker, health officials said, as troops deepened an incursion along the territory's northern edge, bombarding a hospital and blowing up homes.

Medics said at least 12 people were killed in an Israeli strike on a house in the Jabalia area of northern Gaza earlier on Wednesday, and at least 10 people remained missing as rescue operations continued. Another man was killed in tank shelling nearby, they said.

Later on the day, health officials said 15 people were killed in an Israeli airstrike on a house in Gaza City's Sheikh Radwan neighbourhood.

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu Tuesday repeated his vow that Israel would hunt down and punish anyone who hurts a hostage, but added a new promise: Israel will give a generous reward to anyone who returns a captive, paying $5 million and providing safe passage out of Gaza.

“I want to say to those who are holding our hostages: Whoever dares to harm our hostages will pay the price. We will pursue you and we will find you,” Netanyahu told Israeli troops on a visit to the Gaza Strip. “To those who want to leave this entanglement I say: Whoever brings us a hostage, will find a safe way out for himself and his family. We will also give $5 million for every hostage,” he added.

Hamas' deputy leader in Gaza, Khalil al-Hayya, stated on Wednesday that a prisoner exchange with Israel would not proceed whilst military operations in Gaza continue.

Speaking on Al-Aqsa television, al-Hayya emphasised that cessation of hostilities was a prerequisite for any exchange of captives. He questioned the logic of relinquishing their leverage whilst under attack.

"Without an end to the war, there can be no prisoner swap," Hayya said in a televised interview with the group's Al-Aqsa television channel, reiterating the group's position on how to bring the war to an end.

"If the aggression is not ended, why would the resistance and in particular Hamas, return the prisoners (hostages)?" he said. "How would a sane or an insane person lose a strong card he owns while the war is continuing?"

As head of Hamas' negotiating team in discussions with Qatari and Egyptian intermediaries, al-Hayya attributed the diplomatic impasse to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who conversely faults Hamas for the stalled negotiations.

Al-Hayya indicated openness to renewed diplomatic efforts, whilst emphasising the need for genuine Israeli commitment to ending military operations. He stated: "There are contacts under way with some countries and mediators to revive this file (negotiation). We are ready to continue with those efforts but it is more important to see a real will on the side of the occupation to end the aggression."

He concluded by asserting that "The reality proves that Netanyahu is the one who undermines it (negotiations)."

Palestinian militant group Hamas accused the United States on Wednesday of being "directly responsible" for Israel's "genocidal war" in Gaza after it vetoed a UN Security Council resolution calling for a ceasefire.

"Again, the United States demonstrates that it is a direct partner in the aggression against our people, that it is a criminal, kills children and women and destroys civilian life in Gaza, and that it is directly responsible for the genocidal war and ethnic cleansing, just like the occupation (Israel)," Hamas said in a statement, AFP reported.

Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem said Wednesday his group would not accept any truce that violated Lebanese sovereignty, as Israel demanded freedom to act against the Iran-backed movement in the event of a deal.

Nearly a year of cross-border exchanges of fire between Israel and Hezbollah escalated into war in September, with Israel conducting an extensive bombing campaign and sending ground troops into southern Lebanon.

Hezbollah seeks a "complete and comprehensive end to the aggression" and "the preservation of Lebanon's sovereignty... the Israeli enemy cannot enter (Lebanese territory) whenever it wants", Qassem said in a pre-recorded speech Wednesday.

"Israel cannot defeat us and cannot impose its conditions on us," he added, as US envoy Amos Hochstein concluded a two-day visit to Beirut seeking to broker a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hezbollah.