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PremiumIsrael-Hamas War Highlights: President Joe Biden is scheduled to embark on a trip to Israel, followed by Jordan on Wednesday, where he will engage with both Israeli and Arab leaders.
This diplomatic journey comes against the backdrop of growing concerns that the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict may potentially evolve into a broader regional crisis.
Meanwhile, Iran's Foreign Minister, Abdollahian, has issued a warning about the possibility of Iran and its allies taking "preemptive action" in the near future in response to Israel's attacks on Gaza. He has suggested that such action may occur within the next few hours in the region.
In an escalating diplomatic dispute, Israel has suspended its security exports to Colombia. This friction was sparked by online statements from Colombian President Gustavo Petro, where he drew parallels between Israel's actions in Gaza and Nazi Germany.
President Petro has since reinforced his criticism of Israel and even raised the possibility of suspending diplomatic relations with the country. Additionally, the Colombian foreign minister has suggested that Israel's ambassador should leave the country.
As per the latest developments, the FBI has seen an uptick in rhetoric targeting "Jewish people as well as Muslim institutions" in the US. The Israel-Hamas war has claimed more than 4,000 lives since Hamas launched an incursion on 7 October. Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden is considering a trip to Israel in the coming days but no travel has been finalized. Biden has staunchly proclaimed his support for Israel. He spoke to both Palestinian and Israeli Presidents on call on Saturday. Biden has said that any move by Israel to occupy the Gaza Strip again would be a "big mistake".
Separately, Israel Defence Forces (IDF) have struck the Hezbollah "military infrastructure" in Lebanon as a retaliatory move to Sunday's fire. Lebanon has warned Israel that if they continue to attack the Gaza Strip then they will face severe consequences. But the US and France have conveyed to Hezbollah that they must stay out of the war. Israeli Defence Minister Gallant said that an estimated 150-200 hostages are being held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip and the UN has asked Hamas to release them without condition.
For Indians stranded in Israel can contact these helpline numbers.
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Read all the highlights on the Israel-Hamas war at Mint's blog:
Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu says, "This is a part of an axis of evil of Iran and Hezbollah and Hamas. Their goal, open goal is to eradicate the State of Israel. The open goal of Hamas is to kill as many Jews as they could and the only difference is, they would have killed every last one of us, murdered every last one of us if they could. They just don’t have the capacity but they murdered an extraordinary 1300 civilians which in American terms is like many, many, many 9/11s."
The number of Palestinians killed in the Gaza Strip has reached 3,000, according to the health ministry.
More than 12,500 have been wounded in the besieged coastal enclave, the ministry said.
In the occupied West Bank, 61 Palestinians have been killed, and more than 1,250 have been injured.
Reuters reports that Hamas has said a senior commander and member of its higher military council, Ayman Nofal, has been killed by an Israeli airstrike.
International media reports have said that an Israeli air attack has killed senior Hamas commander Ayman Nofal in Gaza, the group’s military wing says.
On Telegram, the armed wing of Hamas said “Ayman Nofal ‘Abu Ahmed’, a member of the General Military Council and commander of the Central Brigade … was killed" in the attack on al-Bureij camp in the central Gaza Strip.
According to reports, Pentagon has said that 2,000 soldiers are ready to be deployed to the Israel-Hamas war front.
The US Department of Defense says approximately 2,000 military personnel are on a “heightened state of readiness" due to the evolving security situation in the West Asia.
However, there has been no official decision made to deploy them, Deputy Press Secretary Sabrina Singh said in a statement.
According to Al Jazeera, the cabinet of Saudi Arabia says that the country rejects the forced displacement of Palestinians and demands an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, which is under Israeli bombardment, according to state media.
The cabinet said it also demanded the lifting of siege on the Strip and a return to the peace process.
Citing Jordan’s state media, Reuters reports that Jordan on Wednesday will host a four-party summit in Amman with the US president, Joe Biden and Egyptian and Palestinian leaders to discuss the “dangerous" repercussions of the war in Gaza in the region and finding a political resolution.
-Iran’s supreme leader has called for Israeli officials to be held accountable for their actions against Palestinians.
-Jordan’s King Abdullah says his country will not take in Palestinian refugees.
-The UN says it is concerned by the risk of an outbreak of waterborne diseases in Gaza.
-The death toll from overnight Israeli air raids has risen to 71 after attacks on Rafah and three homes bombed in Khan Younis.
The United Nations human rights office said on Tuesday that Israel’s siege of Gaza and its evacuation order there could amount to the international crime of the forcible transfer of civilians.
Israel's constant bombing on Gaza has left over a dozens dead. Left with machinery or electricity, Palestinians in Gaza use bare hands to search through rubbles in hope of an alive person.
Gaza people are in desperate need of water and other basic necessities amid a total blockade of the enclave
People have been forced to dig wells near the sea to fetch water as Gaza – home to 2.3 million people – is facing a shortage of water as well as food. Generators are powering hospitals after Israel cut electricity following the Hamas attack that killed 1,400 Israelis. The hospitals have few hours of fuel left, reports Al Jazeera.
US President Joe Biden is set to visit Israel on Wednesday, White house confirms with officila statement.
"President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. will travel to Israel on Wednesday, October 18, to demonstrate his steadfast support for Israel in the face of Hamas's brutal terrorist attack and to consult on next steps.
President Biden will then travel to Amman, Jordan, where he will meet with his Majesty King Abdullah, Egyptian President Sisi, and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas. He will reiterate that Hamas does not stand for the Palestinian people's right to dignity and self-determination and discuss the humanitarian needs of civilians in Gaza." the statement read
The World Health Organization said on Tuesday it needs urgent access to Gaza to deliver aid and medical supplies, as the UN agency warned of a humanitarian crisis in the Israeli-occupied Palestinian enclave.
Speaking to media in a briefing, Dr Richard Brennan, regional emergency director of the WHO's Eastern Mediterranean regional office, said the WHO was meeting with "decision-makers" on Tuesday to open access to Gaza as soon as possible. (Reuters)
Jordanian King Abdullah II on Tuesday warned of a dire situation in the Middle East if the conflict between Israel and Hamas is allowed to spread to other countries.
"The whole region is on the brink of falling into the abyss," Abdullah said after meeting German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Berlin.
"All our efforts are needed to make sure we don't get there," he said. (AFP)
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said on Tuesday that Israeli officials should be tried for their crimes committed against Palestinians in Gaza, state TV reported. (Reuters)
Iran on Monday warned of a possible “pre-emptive action" against Israel in the coming hours as Israel readies for a ground offensive on the Gaza Strip, indicating the real possibility of Hezbollah joining the war. Read the full story here.
An Israeli military spokesman said on Tuesday that the status of the Gaza Strip after Israel's planned ground assault on the Palestinian enclave would be a "global issue" for discussion by Israel's politicians and with other countries, Reuters reported.
"We've had all kinds of end games," Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari told media during a news briefing, in response to a question about whether Israel's military planned to stay and govern Gaza after its ground invasion. (Reuters)
In a recent development in the Israel-Hamas conflict, the Israeli military has raised their estimate, stating that the Hamas militant group in Gaza is currently holding approximately 199 hostages. Initially, their estimate had been around 120 hostages. Here are the top ten updates.
Gov. Kathy Hochul said she will travel to Israel on Tuesday for a “solidarity mission."
As reported by AP, she said she plans to meet with diplomatic leaders and communities devastated after the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas militants on Israeli towns.
“During these difficult times, it’s more important than ever for New York to show up in support of Israel," Hochul said.
New York has the largest percentage of Jews among all the US states, according to the American Jewish Population Project at Brandeis University. (AP)
A 21-year-old woman from Shoham was abducted during the terror group's attack on the Supernova Sukkot Music festival on Kibbutz Re'im on October 7 in which at least 260 people were killed and several injured.
In the 1.18-minute-long video, Shem was lying down as someone wrapped a bandage around her right arm. After a cut, the woman was directly speaking to the camera and said she was operated on for three hours for an injury to her hand, ANI reported. Read the full story here.
Palestinians described intense bombardments early Tuesday near two towns in southern Gaza, where Israel had ordered civilians to seek refuge, A
Thousands of people trying to escape Gaza are gathered in Rafah, which has the territory’s only border crossing to Egypt. Mediators are pressing for an agreement to let aid in and refugees with foreign passports out. The U.S. hoped to break a deadlock with President Joe Biden set to head to Israel and Jordan on Wednesday. (AP)
US President Joe Biden will make a high stakes visit Israel on Wednesday to show support for its war on Hamas, after Washington said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had agreed to let humanitarian aid reach besieged Gazans. (Reuters)
After US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh Sunday, both posted a similar photo — but with contrasting descriptions.
Blinken said they talked about “the Hamas terrorist attacks on Israel," in his post to X, formerly Twitter. The prince said they were looking for ways “to stop the military operations that have claimed the lives of innocent people," a reference to Israel’s bombing of Gaza. (Bloomberg)
Days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterated the country's support to Israel amidst the ongoing war in Gaza, an Israeli minister thanked the Indian leadership and citizens for supporting their fight against “jihadist barbaric Islamist". Read the full story here.
Relief convoys which have been waiting for days in Egypt were Tuesday headed towards the Rafah border crossing with the besieged Palestinian enclave of Gaza, aid officials said.
The blockaded territory has been under sustained Israeli bombardment since Gaza's ruling militant group Hamas launched its bloody onslaught against Israel on October 7.
So far Egypt has kept the Rafah crossing closed, to aid going in or foreign nationals trying to flee, as Israel has repeatedly struck the Palestinian side of the crossing. (AFP)
Israeli troops killed four militants attempting to infiltrate from Lebanon, the army said Tuesday, as tensions run high along the border between the two countries.
"A short while ago, IDF (Israeli army) observation troops spotted a terrorist squad attempting to infiltrate the security fence with Lebanon and plant an explosive device," the army said in a statement. “Four terrorists were killed." (AFP)
Truckloads of aid idled at Egypt's border with Gaza as residents and humanitarian groups pleaded Monday for water, food and fuel for dying generators, saying the tiny Palestinian territory sealed off by Israel after last week's rampage by Hamas was near total collapse.
U.S. President Joe Biden planned to travel to Israel on Wednesday to signal White House support for the country and to Jordan to meet with Arab leaders. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced the trip early Tuesday in Tel Aviv during his second visit to Israel in less than a week amid fears that the fighting could expand into a broader regional conflict. (PTI)
At least 49 Palestinians were killed in an overnight Israeli strike that hit homes in Khan Younis and Rafah, Gaza's interior ministry said on Tuesday. (Reuters)
More than a million people have fled their homes in the Gaza Strip ahead of an expected Israeli invasion that seeks to eliminate Hamas’ leadership after its deadly incursion. Aid groups warn an Israeli ground offensive could hasten a humanitarian crisis.
Israeli forces, supported by US warships, positioned themselves along Gaza’s border and drilled for what Israel said would be a broad campaign to dismantle the militant group. A week of blistering airstrikes have demolished neighborhoods but failed to stop militant rocket fire into Israel.
The war that began Oct. 7 has become the deadliest of five Gaza wars for both sides, with more than 4,000 dead. The Gaza Health Ministry said 2,750 Palestinians have been killed and 9,700 wounded. More than 1,400 Israelis have been killed, and at least 199 others, including children, were captured by Hamas and taken into Gaza, according to Israel. (AP)
Palestinians report heavy Israeli airstrikes in southern Gaza, where they were ordered to seek refuge. (AP)
Amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, the European Union launched an EU Humanitarian Air Bridge Operation consisting of several flights to Egypt to deliver lifesaving supplies to aid organisations opeating in Gaza.
The first two flights carrying humanitarian cargo from UNICEF, including shelter items, medicines and hygiene kits will deliver lifesaving supplies this week, European Commission announced in a press release. The operation launched by EU via the European Humanitarian Response Capacity will facilitate the delivery of assistance to people in need in Gaza. (ANI)
Amid the Israel-Hamas war, numerous individuals who are showing support for the hostages and their families are currently engaged in protests, expressing their dissatisfaction with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's management of the crisis. Read the full story here.
Donald Trump, during a campaign event in Iowa, promised that, if re-elected as president, he would implement measures to prohibit immigrants who express support for Hamas from entering the United States, Reuters reported. Read the full story here.
Amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, where at least six UK citizens had been killed after Hamas militants attacked Israel nine days ago, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on 16 October said it should be called ‘pogrom’.
Commenting on the attack, the UK's PM said, as quoted by Reuters, "We should call it by its name. It was a pogrom." Read the full story here.
Doubling down on the hard-line immigration policies that have long animated his base, former President Donald Trump on Monday vowed to bar refugees from Gaza and immediately expand his first-term Muslim travel ban if he wins a second term following the deadly attack on Israel last week.
Speaking to supporters in Iowa, Trump said that if he returns to the Oval Office, he will immediately begin “ideological screening" for all immigrants and bar those who sympathize with Hamas and Muslim extremists. The war between Israel and Hamas has sparked what is now the deadliest of five Gaza wars for both sides, with more than 4,000 dead. (AP)
The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) chief of General Staff, Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi on Tuesday issued a message for its soldiers ahead of Israel's announcing that the preparations being done to launch a ground offensive on the Gaza Strip in retaliation to the Hamas attack on its territory.
In a message note shared on X, the IDF called the Hamas terror attack on Israel a "murderous surprise attack" against Israel and said that they are striking the "enemy" from air, ground and sea. (ANI)
"Last week, Mia was abducted by Hamas.
IDF officials have since informed Mia’s family and are in continuous contact with them.
In the video published by Hamas, they try to portray themselves as humane. However, they are a horrorific terrorist organization responsible for the murder and abduction of babies, children, men, women and the elderly.
At this time, we are deploying all intelligence and operational measures for the return of all hostages—including Mia," tweeted IDF.
President Joe Biden is set to travel to Israel in a show of solidarity for the US ally after it was attacked by Hamas, while his administration’s top diplomat is working on a plan to get aid to Gaza without it falling into the hands of the militant group, Bloomberg reported.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Biden would discuss the idea when he arrives in Israel on Wednesday, after holding about nine hours of talks with Israeli officials to help pave the way for the president’s trip. Israel’s defense minister meanwhile told Washington to expect a “long war" against the militant group. (Bloomberg)
The 13,000-strong staff working with the UN agency for Palestinian refugees is “terrified and tired" and described the situation in the Hamas-run Gaza Strip as a “hellhole", a spokeswoman for the agency said.
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) is the largest UN agency working in the Gaza Strip, both in terms of the size of its operations as well as the number of staff.
The 13,000-strong UNRWA staff in Gaza includes teachers, doctors, nurses, pharmacists, warehouse workers, logisticians, technicians and drivers.
“We have a very, very big operation in the Gaza Strip. What we hear from our staff is that… they are terrified and they're tired. They want all of this to come to an end and the message that we're getting is: ‘Get us out of this hellhole. This has become hell’," UNRWA Director of Communications Juliette Touma told reporters here through video conference on the humanitarian situation in Gaza. (PTI)
The Israeli Air Force said that it has struck "terror targets and military infrastructure" of Hezbollah in Lebanon in response to gunfire towards Israel on Monday.
Taking to X, the Israeli Air Force stated, "A short while ago, the IAF struck terror targets and military infrastructure of the Hezbollah terrorist organization in Lebanon, in response to fire yesterday (Monday) towards Israel."
Earlier on Monday, the Israeli Defence Force said that several military posts on the Lebanon border had come under gunfire. In addition, an anti-tank guided missile targeted a tank, The Times of Israel reported. (ANI)
Iran on Monday warned of a possible “pre-emptive action" against Israel in the coming hours as Israel readies for a ground offensive on the Gaza Strip, indicating the real possibility of Hezbollah joining the war.
In a live broadcast on state TV, Iran's foreign minister, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian said, “The possibility of pre-emptive action by the resistance axis is expected in the coming hours."
His remarks came while referring to his meeting with Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah on Saturday, according to a report published by AFP.
On Monday, Iran's top diplomat and president, Ebrahim Raisi had said time was running out to reach a political solution and warned against the expansion of the Israel-Hamas war to other fronts.
Amir-Abdollahian said Monday that "the resistance leaders" will not allow Israel "to do whatever it wants in Gaza". Read the full story here.
Following days of confusing and sometimes contradictory messaging about the EU's stance on the developing Israel-Hamas conflict, leaders of the bloc's countries on Tuesday are to try to rally around a clear statement.
"We felt the need to bring some order," one EU official said, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss the issue more freely.
A videoconference of the leaders, taking place at 1530 GMT and chaired by European Council President Charles Michel, will seek to supersede initial steps taken by the European Commission and its chief, Ursula von der Leyen. (AFP)
Israel launched strikes overnight on Hezbollah "terrorist" targets in Lebanon, the Israeli army said in a statement early Tuesday.
"The Israeli army is striking military targets of the terrorist organisation Hezbollah on Lebanese territory," it said.
Since the start of the war triggered by the unprecedented attack by Hamas on Israel on October 7, clashes on the Israel-Lebanon border have left around 10 people dead on the Lebanese side, mostly combatants but also a Reuters journalist and two civilians. (AFP)
The top US general overseeing American forces in the Middle East made an unannounced trip to Israel on Tuesday, saying he hoped to ensure its military has what it needs as it fights a deepening war against Palestinian militant group Hamas, Reuters reported.
The trip by Army General Michael "Erik" Kurilla, head of U.S. Central Command, is the latest by a senior US official to Israel ahead of an expected ground assault by Israel's military in Gaza. It comes a day before a planned visit by U.S. President Joe Biden to the country. (Reuters)
Following days of confusing and sometimes contradictory messaging about the EU's stance on the developing Israel-Hamas conflict, leaders of the bloc's countries on Tuesday are to try to rally around a clear statement.
"We felt the need to bring some order," one EU official said, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss the issue more freely.
A videoconference of the leaders, taking place at 1530 GMT and chaired by European Council President Charles Michel, will seek to supersede initial steps taken by the European Commission and its chief, Ursula von der Leyen. (AFP)
Iran's Foreign Minister, Abdollahian, has issued a warning about the possibility of Iran and its allies taking "preemptive action" in the near future in response to Israel's attacks on Gaza. He has suggested that such action may occur within the next few hours in the region.
Amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, Tal Heinrich, Spokesperson for the Israeli Prime Minister's Office (PMO) outlined that Israel's battle is against Hamas and not against the people of Palestine.
Heinrich emphasised the resilience of Israeli families and the importance of taking action against Hamas, saying, "Their resilience is our strength. The ones who are aching the most are the ones giving us the most strength."
"Today it is important to highlight what the families told the PM of Israel and what they told the entire nation of Israel, to hold our heads high and to do what must be done against Hamas," she said addressing a virtual press conference on Monday. (ANI)
The UN Security Council on Monday rejected a Russian resolution condeming spiralling violence in the Middle East, with delegates refusing to back a motion that did not single out Hamas for its surprise attack on Israel that left at least 1,400 people dead.
The council huddled as Israel readied for an expected ground assault on the Gaza Strip, after air and artillery strikes that officials say have killed at least 2,750 people. (AFP)
The video shows Miya Shem, a 21-year-old woman from Shoham abducted during the terror group's attack on the Supernova Sukkot Music Festival on Kibbutz Re'im on Oct. 7. At least 260 people were killed at the rave.
The video, 1:18 long, shows Shem lying down as someone wraps a bandage around her right arm.
The video then cuts to Shem speaking directly to the camera identifying herself, saying she was operated on for three hours for an injury to her hand. (ANI)
More than a million people have fled their homes in the Gaza Strip ahead of an expected Israeli invasion that seeks to eliminate Hamas’ leadership after its deadly incursion. Aid groups warn an Israeli ground offensive could hasten a humanitarian crisis.
Israeli forces, supported by U.S. warships, positioned themselves along Gaza’s border and drilled for what Israel said would be a broad campaign to dismantle the militant group. A week of blistering airstrikes have demolished neighborhoods but failed to stop militant rocket fire into Israel. (AP)
