Israel and Iran traded deadly fire for a fourth day on Monday in their most intense confrontation in history, fuelling fears of a drawn-out conflict that could engulf the Middle East.The longtime foes have fought a prolonged shadow war through proxies and covert operations,

People across the war-ravaged Gaza Strip have marked the start of one of Islam's most important holidays with prayers outside destroyed mosques and homes, with little hope the war with Israel will end soon.

Irish bishops have accused the Israeli government of “genocidal actions” and “ethnic cleansing” in the Gaza Strip. The Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference called for arms supplies to Israel to be “cut off” and urged parishioners to lobby their local politicians.

A charity organization providing aid to residents in the Gaza Strip amid the war between Israel and Hamas has appointed a United States-based Evangelical leader and well-known religious freedom

Tensions between the two foes also broke into direct conflict last year, with Iran firing hundreds of missiles and drones in its first ever direct attack on Israel in April 2024, in retaliation for an attack on its embassy compound in Damascus, which killed several senior Iranian military commanders.

The attack comes after decades of mutual hostility and a long-running shadow war of covert strikes and sabotage.

Israel and Iran launched a new round of attacks as the conflict between the two heavily armed rivals enters its fifth day.

Since the ceasefire broke in mid-March, Israel’s attacks on Gaza have ramped up significantly, with around 1,500 strikes recorded. May has been the most intensive month since 7 October, according to conflict specialist non-profit ACLED (Armed Conflict Location and Event Data).