Israel-Hamas War Highlights: US To Send Carrier Strike Group To Eastern Mediterranean In Support Of Israel
Israel Gaza Attack Highlights: Follow this space for all the live and latest updates on the Israel-Hamas war.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said Sunday he has ordered the Ford carrier strike group to sail to the Eastern Mediterranean to be ready to assist Israel after the attack by Hamas that has left more than 1,000 dead on both sides. Americans were reported to be among those killed and missing, as per AP's report.
Around 10 Nepali students died in the ongoing situation in Israel: Nepal Embassy in Israel official confirmed ANI
Several Israeli media outlets are reporting that the death toll from Hamas’ wide-ranging incursion into Israel has risen to 600, AP reported.
The Kan public broadcaster and Channel 12, as well as the Haaretz and Times of Israel newspapers, reported the toll Sunday.
Popular Israeli actors Gal Gadot and Lior Raz have condemned the attack on Israel by Hamas militants and appealed to the world to show solidarity with the country.
Gadot, star of Hollywood films such as the "Wonder Woman" franchise and "Heart of Stone", posted a picture of Israel's flag on her official Instagram account Saturday.
"I stand with Israel, you should too. The world cannot sit on the fence when these horrific acts of terror are happening," wrote the actor, who divides her time between Tel Aviv and Los Angeles.
Egyptian media say a policeman has opened fire at a tourist site, killing 2 Israeli tourists and an Egyptian, reports AP.
Japan condemns Hamas' attack on Israel. PM Fumio Kishida said, "Hamas and other Palestinian militants attacked Israel from Gaza yesterday. Japan strongly condemns the attacks which severely harmed innocent civilians. I express my condolences to the bereaved families and heartfelt sympathies to the injured. A number of people were reportedly abducted by the militants. Japan strongly condemns such acts and urges their immediate release. Japan is deeply concerned about the number of casualties in Gaza as well. All the parties concerned should exercise maximum restraint."
Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu is holding a security assessment at IDF headquarters in Tel Aviv, his office says, reports the Times of Israel. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi and other senior security officials are among the attendees.
According to CNN, militant group Hamas said that 100 rockets were fired at the southern Israeli city of Sderot on Sunday.
Israel aims to evacuate residents around Gaza within 24 hours, reports AFP citing army.
The Israel Defense Forces says it struck the home of the head of Hamas’s intelligence in the Gaza Strip, reported AL Jazeera. The IDF says the home was used as military infrastructure by the terror group. The military is currently continuing to carry out strikes across the Strip, it added.
Lebanese militant group Hezbollah says rockets and mortars fired at Israel ‘in solidarity’ with Palestinians, the Times of Israel reported. The group said it has fired dozens of rockets and shells on at three Israeli positions in the contested Mount Dov region in solidarity with the Hamas attack on Israel.
Israel Defence Forces (IDF) has vowed to control all of Gaza as the conflict enters its second day, reports CNN. IDF said their focus is taking control of the Gaza Strip.
They said there are still eight “points of engagement” with Hamas militants in the south of the country.
Meanwhile, IDF on Sunday published the names of 26 soldiers killed in the attack Hamas launched at dawn the day before.
The Hamas-run health ministry in the Gaza Strip says 256 Palestinians have been killed and another 1,788 have been wounded in the Gaza Strip. With this, the toll has crossed over 500 in the Israel-Gaza region.
The surprise attacks by Hamas have injured more than 1,800 people, according to Israeli officials, as per CNN. It added that as of Sunday, at 6:30 a.m. local time 1,864 injured people had been evacuated to hospitals, Israel’s Ministry of Health said.
Of those, 19 are in critical condition and 326 have serious injuries.
PM of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu shares a post on X, "The Security Cabinet convened this evening and made a series of operational decisions: the goal of which is to achieve the destruction of the military and governing capabilities of Hamas and Islamic Jihad in a way that will preclude their ability and willingness to threaten and attack the citizens of Israel for many years.
Prime Minister Netanyahu concluded the discussion."
"We are embarking on a long and difficult war that was forced on us by a murderous Hamas attack, The first stage is ending at this time by the destruction of the vast majority of the enemy forces that infiltrated our territory. At the same time, we have begun the offensive phase, which will continue with neither limitations nor respite until the objectives are achieved."
"We will restore security to the citizens of Israel and we will win. Among the decisions made by the Security Cabinet is halting the supply of electricity, fuel and goods," the post read.
In a new development, Hamas spokesman Ghazi Hamad told the BBC that Iran gave its support to the Palestinian terror group to launch its surprise multi-front attack on Israel on Saturday, as cited by Hebrew media.
The Times of Israel mentioned that Tehran is a key backer of Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad, as well as Lebanese terror group Hezbollah.
Border Police Commander Amir Cohen praises the Israeli security forces who took back control of a Sderot police station that was overrun by Hamas terrorists early Saturday, following an hourslong operation to flush them out. At least 10 terrorists were killed in the operation, according to the announcement.
Prime Minister of Israel says in a post on X, "All of the places which Hamas is deployed, hiding and operating in, that wicked city, we will turn them into rubble. I say to the residents of Gaza: Leave now because we will operate forcefully everywhere."
The Prime Minister’s Office in Israel says the security cabinet ended its meeting, following a day of unprecedented attacks by Hamas against Israelis, and has made a “series of operational decisions aimed at bringing about the destruction of the military and governmental capabilities of Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad.”
The death toll from the Hamas terror group’s attack on Israel rises to more than 300, Hebrew-language media reports say, citing medical officials, quoted The Times of Israel. At least 1,590 have been wounded, many criticial.
Dozens of civilians as well as IDF soldiers are believed to have been abducted and brought into Gaza; Hamas has boasted that the number of hostages is higher than Israel knows.
The Izzedine al Qassam Brigades, Hamas' military branch, claims to have fired 150 rockets at Tel Aviv on Saturday evening, CNN reported.
In a Telegram post, the organisation stated that this was in "response to the bombing of the residential tower in the centre of Gaza City."
"The United States unequivocally condemns the appalling attacks by Hamas terrorists against Israel, including civilians and civilian communities. There is never any justification for terrorism. We stand in solidarity with the government and people of Israel, and extend our condolences for the Israeli lives lost in these attacks. We will remain in close contact with our Israeli partners. The United States supports Israel’s right to defend itself," US Secretary of State stated.
Israeli military spokesperson confirms that Hamas militants are holding Israeli civilians and soldiers hostage in Gaza.
US President Joe Biden called Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu and emphasized that the US stands alongside Israel and fully supports Israel's right to self-defence: Office of the Prime Minister of Israel.
According to the Palestinian Health Ministry in Gaza, at least 198 Palestinians were killed and 1,610 were injured on Saturday, CNN reported.
The government did not specify where the killings happened or if they were Hamas terrorists or civilians in Gaza.
The killings occurred when the Israel Defence Forces carried out attacks in response to a bombardment of thousands of rockets fired into Israel by Hamas, as well as an invasion by Hamas fighters that left at least 40 people dead and almost 800 injured in Israel.
An Air India Flight from Delhi to Tel Aviv on 07 October 2023 and the return flight AI140 from Tel Aviv to Delhi has been cancelled in the interests and safety of our guests and crew. Passengers are being extended all support, as per their requirements: Air India spokesperson
On Islamist Movement Hamas's launch of attack on Israel, advisor to the IDSF (Israel Defense and Security Forum) and former Israeli government official in the office of the PM, Daniel Seaman says, "...The official reports are that at 6:30 a.m., 1000 Hamas terrorists invaded Israel, crossing over into the border, invading military posts along the border with Gaza, murdering the soldiers, and taking hostages. They committed crimes against female soldiers. They then moved on to the Kibbutzim... They assaulted the citizens asleep in their beds, murdering many of them, taking some captive... and perpetuating, sexual assault on children and women. They began an air raid of non-manned planes... they were supplied to them by Iran... They are posting footage of firing at ambulances and murdering people... The official toll at the moment is 25 killed and over 500 injured. This is the official toll... There are over several thousand in the hospital, and at least 2000 people injured in the hospitals in the south of Israel... We are in a situation that Israel has not faced since exactly 50 years."
At least 40 Israelis killed and 740 wounded in Hamas attack, Israel's N12 News says, reports Reuters
United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Tor Wennesland says, "I vehemently condemn the multi-front assault against Israeli towns & cities near Gaza, & barrage of rockets reaching across central Israel by Hamas militants. These are heinous attacks targeting civilians & must stop immediately..."
Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu at the Security Cabinet meeting says, "Since this morning, the State of Israel has been at war. Our first objective is to clear out the hostile forces that infiltrated our territory and restore security and quiet to the communities that have been attacked. The second objective, at the same time, is to exact an immense price from the enemy, within the Gaza Strip as well. The third objective is to reinforce other fronts so that nobody should mistakenly join this war..."
Israeli national rescue service says at least 40 killed in wide-ranging Hamas incursion, reports AP
At least 7 Nepali injured, 17 held captive by Hamas in Israel: Nepal’s Ambassador to Israel told ANI.
According to the Israeli military, over 2,200 rockets were launched from Gaza into Israel on Saturday since the battle began, CNN reported.
These estimates contradict those previously stated by Hamas military leader Muhammad Al-Deif, who stated that 5,000 missiles had been launched.
On Islamist Movement Hamas's launch of attack on Israel, Consul Gen of Israel, Kobbi Shoshani says, "Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made it very clear that we are at war. We are at war against a terror organization that started 6:30 in the morning, against war against the State of Israel, in such a brutal way against innocent people. We are at war. We will act as if we are in a wall."
"I strongly condemn the current terrorist attacks against Israel. I express my full solidarity with the victims, their families and loved ones," tweets French President Emmanuel Macron.
Social media videos purported to show uniformed Palestinian militants inside the Israeli border town of Sderot, AP reported.
An enraged throng stomped what seemed to be the lifeless body of an Israeli soldier in Gaza, yelling "God is Great."
Another video surfaced showing Palestinian terrorists pulling a living Israeli soldier away on a motorbike.
The Hamas onslaught on Israel has been ongoing for approximately five hours, with sirens blaring as far north as Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.
After missiles were fired from Gaza, sirens began to sound early Saturday morning. They were still audible as of 12:30 p.m. local time, CNN reported.
In a statement released on Hezbollah-backed Al Manar TV on Saturday morning, the Lebanese terrorist group Hezbollah welcomed Hamas's strike on Israel, CNN reported.
According to the statement, Hezbollah is in direct communication with Hamas leadership.
Hezbollah is a Shia militant and political party in Lebanon that has participated in multiple confrontations with Israel. The gang also has significant links to Iran.
According to Israel's Magen David Adom rescue agency, at least 22 persons were murdered in a surprise strike launched by the terrorist organization Hamas on Saturday morning, CNN reported.
MDA reported more than 250 casualties, including the 22 persons who perished.
MDA did not specify the number of persons killed or injured.
"Sorry to see what’s happening in Israel. I hope there can be peace one day," Elon Musk on the Israel situation.
Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu has shared a video on X, formerly Twitter. He says, "We are at war".
"The UK unequivocally condemns the horrific attacks by Hamas on Israeli civilians. The UK will always support Israel’s right to defend itself," Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said.
In view of the current situation in Israel, all Indian nationals in Israel are requested to remain vigilant and observe safety protocols as advised by local authorities. Please exercise caution, avoid unnecessary movement and stay close to safety shelters. For additional information, please see the Israeli Home Fr Command website (https://www.oref.org.il/en) or their preparedness brochure.
In case of emergency, leave a message: telaviv@mea.gov.in.
Please contact at: +97235226748,
The Embassy personnel remain at your disposal for any further guidance.
On Hamas terrorists' attack on Israel, former Spokesperson of Israel Defence Forces, Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan Conricus says "This is a very severe day in Israel. An unprecedented and unprovoked attack against Israeli civilians by hundreds of Hamas terrorists from Gaza into Israel. They have been butchering, executing and abducting Israeli civilians from their homes. We have reports of Israeli civilians being held in Gaza, and there are also many other unconfirmed reports of Israeli casualties. More than 1,000 rockets have already fired at 80% of populated Israel, including our capital Jerusalem and Tel Aviv...And as we speak, Israel has started its very first stage of retaliating against military targets belonging to Hamas in Gaza. I think that the Israeli response will beat a level not seen before, not by Hamas, and not by any of the other Iranian proxies. I wouldn't rule out that this time, Israel will expand the response and not confine it only to the current area of operations, which is the Gaza Strip, but that we may see attacks or retaliations by Israel that are not confined by the geographical area of operations."
According to Times of Israel, nearly 200 were wounded in the ongoing Hamas attack, according to statements from various hospitals. At least two dozen are seriously or critically wounded while six people have been confirmed killed.
Ofir Libstein, the mayor of Israel's Sha'ar Hanegev region, has been killed by Hamas as per Jerusalem Post. Roz Rothstein, International CEO & co-founder of StandWithUs (org supporting Jews, educating about Israel) says Libstein was killed when he went to fight the infiltrators.
Israeli ambassador to the US calls “the free world to unequivocally condemn” the attacks by Hamas and support Israel’s “right to self-defence”.
“This offensive was launched while Israelis were celebrating a religious Jewish holiday,” Michael Herzog said on social media platform X.
Hamas claims that they kidnapped five Israel Defence Forces soldiers on Saturday morning amidst rocket fire into Israel.
Local airports in central and southern Israel have been closed for commercial and leisurely use, according to Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper, reported AL Jazeera. Ben Gurion airport will remain operational and will act according to security instructions and guidelines, a report said.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) says it has launched operation “Iron Swords” in response to Hamas’s surprise attack on Israel. IDF Spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari says more than 2,200 rockets fired into Israel since 6:30 this morning. As per Times of Israel, Hagari says the Hamas terrorists infiltrated from land, sea and air.
The toll in the Hamas rocket fire from the Gaza Strip into Israel climbed to 4, The Times of Israel reported. Defence Minister Yoav Gallant says the Hamas terror group has made a “grave mistake” for launching a surprise attack on Israel with rocket attacks and infiltrating into towns on the border with the Gaza Strip.
The office of Yair Lapid, Israeli opposition leader, says that “Israel is in an emergency” and Lapid would back “harsh military response” to Hamas’s attacks.
According to Al Jazeera, Lapid has received a security update from the prime minister’s military secretary, Avi Gil, as to local media reports.
Palestinian media reported that a number of Israelis have been taken captive by fighters and Hamas media circulated video footage apparently showing a destroyed Israeli tank, as per Reuters.
Israeli Army has started attacking targets in Gaza. It said the Army has begun an operation aimed at Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip.
Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu's office said he would meet top security officials in the coming hours, reported Reuters.
The Israeli army in a post X, says, "Israelis across the country – on Shabbat and the holiday of Simchat Torah – woke up to sirens sounding and Hamas firing rockets at them from Gaza this morning. We will defend ourselves."
Israel-Hamas War: The leader of Hamas’s military wing has said the group has launched a new operation against Israel. According to Al Jazeera, Mohammed Deif said that 5,000 rockets had been fired into Israel early Saturday to begin “Operation Al-Aqsa Storm”.
“We’ve decided to say enough is enough,” Deif said as he urged all Palestinians to confront Israel.
Israel-Hamas War: Israeli Army has meanwhile asked the residents in the area surrounding the Gaza Strip to stay in their homes.
Israel-Hamas War: One woman killed in Israel from Gaza rocket fire, reports AFP.
Background
Israel Gaza Attack Highlights: Hello and welcome to live blog on Israel's Gaza attack. Follow this space for all the live and latest updates on the Israel-Hamas war.
In a big development, the Israeli military said it has begun striking targets in the Gaza Strip after over 5,000 rockets were fired from there towards Israel. The military said that a "number of terrorists have infiltrated" Israel from the Gaza Strip after dozens of rockets were fired from the blockaded enclave, as per AFP. Israel Ambassador to India Naor Gilon said: "#Israel is under a combined attack from Gaza during the Jewish holiday. Both by rockets and ground infiltration of Hamas terrorists. The situation is not simple but Israel will prevail."
According to Reuters, Mohammad Deif, a senior Hamas military commander, announced the start of the operation in a broadcast on Hamas media, calling on Palestinians everywhere to fight. "This is the day of the greatest battle end the last occupation on earth," he said, adding that 5,000 rockets had been launched.
According to AFP, the sounds of at least three explosions could be heard as Israel deployed anti-rocket defenses. One woman was killed in the attack while sirens have been sound in Jerusalem after rocket fire from Gaza.
According to Al Jazeera, the rocket fire began from multiple locations in Gaza starting at 06:30am local time (03:30 GMT). Israel’s rescue agency said a 70-year-old woman was critically hurt when a rocket hit a building in southern Israel. A 20-year-old man was moderately injured by rocket shrapnel, it said, as quoted by Al Jazeera.
A report from Reuters mentioned that the Israeli military said defence forces would defend Israeli civilians and the Hamas terrorist organisation would pay a heavy price for its actions. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said he would meet top security officials in the coming hours.
In Gaza, loud sounds of launches could be heard and residents reported armed clashes along the separation fence with Israel, near the southern town of Khan Younis. They claimed to see significant movement of armed fighters.
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