Israel-Hamas War Highlights: Blinken Says He Spoke To Israel About Gaza's 'Humanitarian Needs'
Israel-Hamas War Live: Follow this space for all the live and latest updates on the Israel-Hamas war.
In a 66-4 vote, Israeli lawmakers swore in a "emergency government" on Thursday, a day after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced a wartime partnership with a rival.
Benny Gantz and four of his party's members were sworn in as ministers, while opposition leader Yair Lapid said he would not join the government. (AFP Input)
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Thursday that he discussed the Gaza Strip's "humanitarian needs" with Israel while defending Israel's right to respond to the deadly Hamas attack.
"We did discuss ways to address the humanitarian needs of people living in Gaza to protect them from harm, while Israel conducts its legitimate security operations to defend itself against terrorism and to try to ensure that this never happens again," Blinken said after meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other top officials in Tel Aviv.
Russia's foreign ministry urged Israel to agree to a ceasefire in Gaza to allow in food and medicine, saying it was unacceptable that "indiscriminate" bombing of the Gaza Strip was killing so many civilians.
Moscow issued the statement after Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov spoke by phone with Hussein Al-Sheikh, secretary general of the Palestine Liberation Organization's (PLO) executive committee. (Reuters Input)
Photos: Indian Ambassador to Israel Sanjeev Singla with the first batch of Indians who would be boarding the special flight being operated under 'Operation Ajay' from Tel Aviv.
First batch of Indian passengers to board flight back to India from Israel's Tel Aviv under 'Operation Ajay'.
Major rocket barrage was reported from Gaza on southern Israel, Ashdod area, according to i24 News.
The Indian Air Force has kept its aircraft on standby in case there is a requirement to bring back Indian citizens from Israel. The IAF transport aircraft fleet includes the C-17 and IL-76 heavy-lift transport planes along with the C-130J Super Hercules Special Operations aircraft which have been used in the past for such evacuation operations: IAF official.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that the toll of innocent lives claimed by Hamas' relentless attacks continues to climb, and that at least 25 American citizens have died as a result of the ongoing violence.
In a significant revelation amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, Israel's Ambassador to India, Naor Gilon, has emphasised Iran's suspected involvement in the conflict, both in terms of supplying arms and possibly even planning. Gilon's comments shed light on Israel's growing concerns about Iran's role in the conflict, as well as its desire for a fundamentally different resolution to avoid further escalation.
India has labeled the Hamas militants' strike on Israel as a "terrorist attack," as stated by a foreign ministry spokesperson on Thursday. Arindam Bagchi, during a press briefing, emphasised the global duty to counter-terrorism in all its manifestations. He further reiterated India's longstanding support for an independent Palestine.
"My understanding is about a dozen odd people are there in West Bank while 3-4 people are in Gaza. The number is very small. Mostly, we have received requests (to rescue) from Israel," says MEA Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi.
Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu said, "Mr Secretary, your visit is another tangible example of America's unequivocal support for Israel. Hamas has shown itself to be an enemy of civilisation. The massacring of young people at an outdoor music festival, the butchering of entire families, the murder of parents in front of their children and the murder of children in front of their parents, the burning of people alive, the beheadings, the kidnappings...the sickening display of celebrating these horrors, the celebration and glorification of evil - President Biden was absolutely correct in calling this sheer evil."
MEA spokesperson on 'Operation Ajay', to bring back Indians from Israel, said: "A charter flight will reach Tel Aviv today later in the evening. It is expected to get 230 passengers onboard. We have all options, but the role of IAF (in evacuation) can't be ruled out".
During a trip to the Middle East to prevent the conflict with Palestinian Hamas militants from spreading, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken assured Israeli Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahu of Washington's support on Thursday.
Blinken shook hands with Netanyahu an hour after landing in Tel Aviv and told the prime minister, "We're here, we're not going anywhere," according to footage from Netanyahu's office.
Following his visit to Israel, Blinken will travel to Jordan to meet with Jordan's King Abdullah and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas. According to US officials, he is likely to travel to other Arab countries, but they do not specify which ones. (Reuters Input)
Egypt's Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Thursday that it was directing international aid for the besieged Gaza Strip to Al Arish airport in the Sinai Peninsula's northwestern tip.
The nearby Rafah crossing between Sinai and Gaza remained open, according to the statement, which also stated that Egypt had asked Israel to refrain from targeting the Palestinian side of the crossing following strikes that disrupted normal operations there. (Reuters Input)
The death toll in Gaza has risen to at least 1,354, according to the Hamas health ministry, with dozens killed since Thursday morning as a result of a massive Israeli bombardment of the enclave.
The ministry said at least "1,354 citizens have been martyred and 6,049 have suffered various injuries," updating an earlier death toll of around 1,200 announced at dawn on Thursday. (CNN Input)
The conflict between Israel and Hamas has darkened the horizon for a world economy already experiencing slow growth, according to IMF chief Kristalina Georgieva on Thursday.
Georgieva stated at the IMF-World Bank annual meetings in Marrakesh, Morocco, that the IMF is "very closely monitoring how the situation evolves" and how it affects oil markets.
Georgieva pointed out that the IMF's World Economic Outlook, released earlier this week but written before the conflict erupted, already predicted weak global growth.
According to the CEO of the company formerly known as Twitter, Elon Musk's social media platform X has removed hundreds of Hamas-linked accounts and removed or labelled thousands of pieces of content since the militant group's attack on Israel.
Linda Yaccarino detailed X's efforts to combat illegal content flourishing on the platform on Thursday. She was responding to a warning from a top European Union official, who asked for information on how X is complying with tough new EU digital rules aimed at cleaning up social media platforms during the Israel-Hamas conflict.
“So far since the start of the conflict X has identified and removed hundreds of Hamas-affiliated accounts from the platform,” Yaccarino said in a letter posted on X.
“There is no place on X for terrorist organizations or violent extremist groups and we continue to remove such accounts in real-time, including proactive efforts,” Yaccarino said. (AP Input)
Visuals from the town of Dharya in Lebanon that was hit by Israeli shelling on Wednesday.
Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant briefed 31 of his counterparts at a NATO meeting in Brussels on Thursday. According to The Times of Israel, he stated that the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) will destroy Hamas and "hunt down every last man with the blood of children."
Israel’s military assault against Hamas is focusing on “taking out” the Islamist group’s senior leadership in the Gaza Strip, including chief Yahya Sinwar, the Army spokesman said Thursday. “Right now we are focused on taking out their senior leadership, not only the military leadership (but) also their governmental leadership, all the way up to Sinwar,” Richard Hecht told journalists, referring to Hamas’s chief in the enclave. “They were directly connected” to the attack that Hamas launched on Israel over the weekend that left more than 1,200 people dead. (AFP Input)
The UN chief raised alarm over clashes along the Blue Line, the demarcation between Israel and Lebanon, as well as reported attacks from southern Lebanon.
“I appeal to all parties – and those who have an influence over those parties – to avoid any further escalation and spillover,” he told reporters at the UN Headquarters, in New York.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken meets Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Tel Aviv.
"We are here. We are not going anywhere," Blinken to Netanyahu in their meeting.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza will become 'unmanageable' soon, according to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) on Thursday. The ICRC also stated earlier today that the blockaded Gaza Strip still had some fuel to power generators, including those in hospitals, but that it could run out in a matter of hours. Israel has cut off food, fuel, electricity, and medicine supplies to Gaza, and the only remaining route from Egypt was closed Tuesday after airstrikes near the border crossing.
Israel's defence forces with tanks positioned at the Gaza border amid the war with Hamas.
United States Secretary of State, Antony Blinken on Thursday reached Tel Aviv, Israel.
Israel Defence Forces have said that sirens are sounding in Central Israel.
The total number of Indians currently residing in Israel is about 18,000. The registration of Indians for Operation Ajay is underway. The first flight will depart today (from Tel Aviv) in the evening, news agency ANI said, citing sources.
Footage of drone strike conducted by Israel Defence Forces (IDF) on buildings allegedly used by Hamas militants in Gaza.
"There are around 18,000 Indian citizens in Israel, including 1,000 students whom we love very much. The Indian business community, whom we love and respect very much, contributes to our economy in a big way. The Israeli government is doing the utmost to assist the Indian Embassy in Operation Ajay," Kobbi Shoshani, Consul General of Israel said in Mumbai, on India launching Operation Ajay to facilitate the return of Indians from Israel, as quoted by PTI.
On the Israel-Palestine conflict, US Vice President Kamala Harris said, "I'm completely outraged by what has taken place. We are looking at extreme acts of terrorism that must be condemned in no uncertain terms. There is absolutely no justification for terrorism. The President and I take very seriously our commitment to Israel to support them and to give Israel what it needs to defend itself. One of our highest priorities is the safety and well-being of American citizens... It is also critically important that we stay in constant communication and contact with our allies, Israeli partners and members of Congress... This morning I was on a call with PM Netanyahu...to restate our commitment to stand with Israel and the Israeli people."
Israel pounded Gaza yesterday (Oct 11), to root out Hamas after a surprise attack days before.
On Israel-Hamas conflict, United States Secretary Of State Antony Blinken said, "The United States has Israel's back... We stand resolutely against terrorism. We've seen the almost indescribable acts committed by Hamas against Israeli men, women and children... Not since ISIS have we seen this kind of depravity... When I'm in Israel, I'll have the opportunity to meet with PM Netanyahu, President Herzog... Significant military assistance requested by Israel is on the way...We will be reiterating, and reaffirming the very strong message that President Biden has delivered to any country or any party that might try to take advantage of this situation. And that message is, "Don't". The President has deployed the world's largest aircraft carrier group to the region to make very clear our intent to deter anyone contemplating any further aggression against Israel..."
US President Joe Biden warned Iran against getting involved in Israel's conflict with Hamas amid fears of a wider regional conflict, while Israeli leaders formed an emergency war cabinet to present a united front, as reported by the news agency Reuters.
The US State Department has advised Americans to reconsider travelling to Israel following deadly Hamas attacks on the war-torn country. The travel advisory for the West Bank has been raised to level 3, while for Gaza, the advisory remains at the most severe level 4.
The Israeli military said it killed dozens of Hamas militants who were hiding at Beeri, a leafy kibbutz in Israel, as reported by the news agency Reuters. Hamas killed more than 100 people in Beeri and abducted an unknown number of men, women, and children
A briefing held by Israel's Foreign Ministry spokesperson took an unexpected turn as the official, midway through the session, saying, "We must seek shelter in the safe room. I regret the abrupt disruption of this connection, and I appreciate your presence. Regrettably, it appears that Israel is currently under attack."
Naom Peri, the daughter of 80-year-old Haim Peri, who was abducted by Hamas militants to Gaza, has provided a harrowing account of the devastating events that unfolded on a fateful Saturday morning. Recalling the terrifying ordeal, she shared, "At around 7 am, they (my parents) awoke to entirely different circumstances, as dozens of armed terrorists invaded our residence, subjecting the inhabitants to unimaginable violence. My friends, with whom I have shared my life, were mercilessly attacked. Nearly every person I know has lost a family member, either through murder or kidnapping."
Several hundred people gathered in Brussels to pay their respects to the victims of the recent wave of terrorist attacks in Israel, in the presence of the presidents of the European Commission, the European Council, and the European Parliament.
EAM S Jaishankar said "India launching Operation Ajay to facilitate return from Israel of Indians who wish to come back".
French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne expressed deep apprehension on Wednesday, suggesting that 'several children' from France may have been kidnapped in Israel. During her address to the French Senate, she revealed that the government is actively engaging with the families of the affected children, but did not provide further details. Among the individuals believed to be kidnapped is a 12-year-old boy named Eitan, who had been residing in the Nir Oz kibbutz, as reported by family members who have been in contact with French media. France has reported the loss of 11 of its citizens in the ongoing conflict, with an additional 20 individuals unaccounted for, including some who are suspected of being held hostage. (AP Input)
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar spoke with his UAE counterpart, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, on Wednesday and discussed the "crisis" in West Asia caused by Hamas militant attacks on Israel and Tel Aviv's counter-offensive.
Jaishankar is in Sri Lanka at the moment.
In response to the unexpected Hamas attack, the Nepalese government has taken decisive action to repatriate over 250 Nepalese students who are currently stranded in Israel. At 2 AM on Thursday, a Nepal Airlines aircraft representing the national flag carrier is scheduled to depart Kathmandu bound for Jerusalem. Its mission is to return 288 Nepalese students who have registered their names with the Nepalese Embassy in Israel, expressing a strong desire to return home safely. The Nepal Minister's initiative aims to ensure the prompt and secure repatriation of Nepalese citizens affected by recent events in Israel, demonstrating the government's commitment to their well-being. (PTI Input)
Lieutenant Colonel Peter Lerner provided an overview of the Israel Defence Forces' (IDF) response to the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict, highlighting the heightened state of alert since Saturday. The IDF's primary goal is to restore Israel's safety and security, acting in accordance with government directives to degrade and eliminate Hamas's ability to target the country.
The Israeli army reported a "suspected infiltration" from Lebanon into Israeli airspace on Wednesday, while sirens wailed across Israel's northern border. Fearing a "large-scale attack," the army's Home Front Command advised residents of Beit Shean, Safed, and Tiberias to seek shelter "until further notice." (AFP Input)
Rocket sirens sounded in the northern port city of Haifa, reports I24 News.
A statement from a spokesperson for King Charles reveals the British monarch's deep apprehension regarding the ongoing situation in Israel and Gaza. The statement emphasises that King Charles is "extremely concerned" and has requested to be regularly informed about the developments. It further underscores that the King's thoughts and prayers are with those enduring the distressing circumstances, particularly those who have lost loved ones, as well as those actively engaged in the situation. (BBC Input)
Following several days of intense negotiations between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and opposition leader Benny Gantz, a critical announcement about the formation of an emergency government was made. This development follows the unexpected Hamas attack on Saturday, which prompted Netanyahu to extend an invitation to opposition leaders Yair Lapid and Benny Gantz. In a joint statement issued today, Netanyahu and Gantz, the chairman of the National Unity party, confirmed their mutual agreement to form an emergency government as well as a "war management cabinet." (Times Of Israel)
Britain's top diplomat, Foreign Secretary James Cleverly, has arrived in Israel to convey "unwavering solidarity" with the nation in the wake of the recent attacks by Hamas. The British government has disclosed that during his visit, Cleverly will engage with survivors of the attacks and hold meetings with senior Israeli officials to underline the UK's support for Israel's right to defend itself.
Both the UK's Conservative government and the opposition Labour Party have vocally endorsed Israel's prerogative to retaliate in response to the attacks that tragically claimed the lives of more than 1,200 Israelis.
The British government has also revealed that it believes 10 or more UK citizens are among the casualties, either deceased or missing, as a result of the attacks in southern Israel. (AP Input)
Gaza grapples with devastation as buildings lie demolished and rubble blankets the city. Photos here.
As the town of Sderot faces the onslaught of the ongoing crisis, international volunteers have stepped in to assist its residents. Malka, an Israeli national volunteer, emphasised the urgent need for assistance, explaining that many families remain in the town. Malka is a representative of the French organisation SSF (Santé Sans Frontières), which works on a global scale.
In the midst of the ongoing escalation of hostilities, rocket sirens blared across Tel Aviv and central Israel, exacerbating the region's heightened tensions. (I24 News)
Concurrently, US Chargé d'Affaires Stephanie Hallett travelled to Gaza to witness the devastation in communities along the border. She burst into tears as she described the harrowing scenes of destruction and expressed her feelings about the unfolding atrocities.
Electricity in Gaza went out on Wednesday after the sole power station in the blockaded Palestinian enclave stopped working, news agency Reuters reported citing Hamas media.
In the midst of rising tensions and security concerns in Israel, Indian Ambassador to Israel Sanjeev Singla issued a reassuring statement to the region's Indian community. Ambassador Singla expressed the Embassy's unwavering commitment to Indian citizens' safety and well-being in Israel, encouraging them to remain calm and vigilant while adhering to local security guidelines.
In response to growing speculations surrounding potential crude oil price fluctuations amidst the Israel-Palestine conflict, Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Hardeep Singh Puri, emphasized the importance of stable oil prices in supporting global economic recovery. Minister Puri noted that while the global markets would consider all variables, uninterrupted supply lines would be critical to managing any potential disruptions.
The Ministry of External Affairs has taken proactive steps by establishing a 24-hour Control Room to closely monitor the situation and provide critical information and assistance. Individuals can contact the Control Room for immediate assistance by dialling the toll-free number 1800118797.
The Indian Embassy in Ramallah has announced the establishment of a 24-hour Emergency Helpline for Indian nationals residing in Palestine. This helpline, which is accessible via phone and WhatsApp, aims to provide assistance and support to the Indian diaspora in the event of an emergency or other pressing need.
At least eight journalists have been killed while two others went missing in Israeli airstrikes in Gaza, said the Palestinian enclave's press office on Wednesday, according to Anadolu news agency.
Gaza officials say they are not able to reach people trapped under rubble as Israel continues to pound the region.
The sole power plant supplying electricity in Gaza is left with jut 10-12 hours of fuel, Palestinian Energy Authority Chairman Thafer Melhem has told Voice of Palestine radio, according to Al Jazeera as Israel continues total blockade.
First plane carrying armaments from the United States has arrived in Israel, said its military according to AP.
“We are grateful for the US backing and assistance to the IDF, and to the State of Israel in general, during this challenging period. Our common enemies know that the cooperation between our militaries is stronger than ever, and is a key part in ensuring regional security and stability,” the IDF said in a statement.
"At the moment, we need to stop what is happening now. The terror that is happening now, we need to make sure it stops and not only does it stop and we bring our hostages back, but we also need to make sure that we devastate Hamas so much, we hurt their infrastructure, we hurt their commanders that they will not think of ever striking Israel again," says Consul General of Israel to South India, Tammy Ben-Haim.
As Israel continues blockade along the Gaza Strip, Palestine says the latter is being subjected to "dehumanisation".
"The Gaza Strip is faced with finding something truly humanitarian, with the entire power plant shutting down within hours of running out of fuel, which threatens to plunge the sugar into complete darkness and make it impossible to continue providing all basic vital services that depend entirely on electricity, and are partially allowed to die in light of the absence of fuel from... Rafah Gate," Palestinian Government' media office says in a statement.
Authorities in Gaza have issued a statement saying the power company supplying electricity is "running out of fuel" and could "shut down within hours," reports Al Jazeera.
Al Jazeera reports incidents of confrontation between Palestinian youths and Israeli Defence Forces in the Occupied East Jerusalem’s Shuafat neighbourhood with no immediate reports about casualties.
The Israeli forces have told news agency Anadolu that they have no information confirming allegations that ‘Hamas beheaded babies’ after a reporter with i24 News claimed that she was told by Israeli military commander that they found the bodies of some 40 babies, some of whom had been beheaded.
Reiterating support to Israel, US President Joe Biden said: "Let us be clear: There is no place for hate in America. Not against Jews. Not against Muslims. What we reject is terrorism. We condemn its indiscriminate evil, just as we have always done. That is what America stands for."
The escalations which entered the fifth day on Wednesday saw the death toll cross 1,000 in Israel while over 900 have been killed in Palestine.
Background
Israel-Hamas War: Hello and welcome to the live blog on Israel-Hamas war. Follow this space for all the live and latest updates.
The escalation between Israel and Hamas entered its fifth day on Wednesday with attacks and counter-attacks from both the sides. On Tuesday evening, six rockets from southern Lebanon were fired towards northern Israel while Palestinian militant group Hamas was attacking the Israeli city of Ashkelon with rocket fire. The group warned civilians to leave before the barrage began.
Over 1,800 people from both the sides have been killed so far in the escalations with over 4,250 people injured. The Palestinian health ministry said that around 849 Palestinians have been killed while Israeli military officials have stated that the death toll from Hamas attacks has surpassed 1,000 in the country.
President Joe Biden on Tuesday condemned the Hamas attacks on Israel as an "unadulterated evil unleashed on the world" saying that the militant group's stated purpose is to annihilate the state of Israel and kill Jewish people.
“There are moments in this life – and I mean this literally – when pure, unadulterated evil is unleashed on this world. The people of Israel lived through one such moment this weekend. The bloody hands of the terrorist organisation Hamas – a group whose stated purpose for being is to kill Jews,” Biden said in his address to the nation from the White House.
He also said that 14 Americans have been killed in the action.
Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin blamed US' foreign policy for the Isral-Palestine issue. He criticised the U.S. saying it “tried to monopolise the settlement, but, regrettably hasn’t bothered to search for compromises that would be acceptable to both parties and, just the opposite, sought to enforce their own view of how it should be done, exerting pressure on both parties.”
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Tuesday that Moscow is talking to both Israel and the Palestinians to help reach a settlement.
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