In pics | Israel-Hamas war: Supporters of Palestinians, Israel protest across the world

In Pics | Israel vs Hamas: Aerial images of Israeli air strikes in Gaza

Several Palestinians, including children who were in the midst of fleeing to the southern Gaza Strip on an “evacuation route” that the Israeli army said would be safe, were killed in an air strike, claimed media reports citing witnesses and Hamas officials on Saturday (Oct 14).&nbsp;

This comes a day after the Israel Defense Forces (IDF)&nbsp;dropped pamphlets across northern Gaza warning the densely populated region’s 1.1 million people to evacuate towards the south&nbsp;ahead of a possible Israeli ground assault targeting Hamas.

<h2>Israeli army’s orders</h2>

On Friday (Oct 13), the Israeli army’s Arabic-language spokesman Avichay Adraee had asked Gazans to head south of Wadi Gaza and said a safe “evacuation route” would not be targeted by Israeli forces before 8:00 pm (local time) on Friday.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH&nbsp;| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-heartwarming-video-shows-palestinian-journalist-playing-with-child-amid-israeli-airstrikes-on-gaza-646918">Heartwarming video shows Palestinian journalist playing with child amid Israeli airstrikes on Gaza</a>

Israeli military spokesperson Richard Hecht, on Saturday, said that there is a safe passage window between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm (local time) on the roads, down the Gaza coast and through the centre of the narrow Palestinian territory, which is about 40 kilometres long.&nbsp;

However, Hecht did not comment on how many days the passage window would remain open and acknowledged that “this is going to take time but we recommend people not to delay.”&nbsp;

Similarly, Adraee had asked Gazans to head south “for their own safety” on specified streets of Gaza until 4:00 pm (local time).&nbsp;

<h2>Gazans on ‘evacuation routes’ attacked</h2>

A report by the news agency AFP citing Hamas officials claimed that several people were killed while heading south before the 8:00 pm deadline, on Friday.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/true-humanitarian-crisis-gazans-walk-30-km-south-many-sheltering-at-al-shifa-hospital-reluctant-to-move-646463">Gaza student speaks to WION: People walking 30km to flee Israel stikes, many camping at hospital</a>

Additionally, a security source belonging to the Palestinian militant group in Gaza, speaking on condition of anonymity, told the news agency that “two cars were bombed next to the Kuwaiti Hospital south of Gaza City”.

A report by CNN citing videos it authenticated showed a scene of extensive destruction after a blast on Salah Al-Deen Street on Friday where a “number of bodies, including those of children, can be seen on a flat-bed trailer” which seemed like a vehicle being used to carry people away from Gaza City.&nbsp;

It was not immediately clear what caused the widespread devastation, said the American media outlet.&nbsp;

AFP citing Hamas’s health ministry and government media office said dozens of civilians heading to safety were killed in at least three locations Friday afternoon.&nbsp;

According to reports, the&nbsp;bombing killed&nbsp;a reported 70 people, including children, which the Hamas has blamed on Israel.

A report by the Guardian cited&nbsp;an analysis done by the Forensic Architecture investigative unit at the Palestinian human rights organisation, al-Haq which used aerial photos and social media posts&nbsp;to geolocate the site of the strike.&nbsp;

The British media report citing the visuals from the aftermath of the attack said there were&nbsp;12 dead bodies, most of whom were women and children. It added, that the youngest child was around two-years-old.&nbsp;&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gazans-must-not-delay-evacuation-before-expected-offensive-starts-israel-646851">Gazans must not delay evacuation before expected offensive starts: Israel</a>

Speaking about the six-hour window, an IDF spokesperson told CNN that people in Gaza City “now know exactly what’s happening,” adding that the civilians were notified in Arabic and multiple languages on “every available” platform both electronic and non-electronic.

“Everyone in Gaza City knows that they need to go past Wadi Gaza,” said Major Doron Spielman.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

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Several Palestinians, including children who were in the midst of fleeing to the southern Gaza Strip on an “evacuation route” that the Israeli army said would be safe, were killed in an air strike, claimed media reports citing witnesses and Hamas officials on Saturday (Oct 14).

Several Palestinians, including children who were in the midst of fleeing to the southern Gaza Strip on an “evacuation route” that the Israeli army said would be safe, were killed in an air strike, claimed media reports citing witnesses and Hamas officials on Saturday (Oct 14). This comes a day after the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) dropped pamphlets across northern Gaza warning the densely populated region’s 1.1 million people to evacuate towards the south ahead of a possible Israeli ground assault targeting Hamas. Israeli army’s orders On Friday (Oct 13), the Israeli army’s Arabic-language spokesman Avichay Adraee had asked Gazans to head south of Wadi Gaza and said a safe “evacuation route” would not be targeted by Israeli forces before 8:00 pm (local time) on Friday. ALSO WATCH | Heartwarming video shows Palestinian journalist playing with child amid Israeli airstrikes on Gaza Israeli military spokesperson Richard Hecht, on Saturday, said that there is a safe passage window between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm (local time) on the roads, down the Gaza coast and through the centre of the narrow Palestinian territory, which is about 40 kilometres long. However, Hecht did not comment on how many days the passage window would remain open and acknowledged that “this is going to take time but we recommend people not to delay.” Similarly, Adraee had asked Gazans to head south “for their own safety” on specified streets of Gaza until 4:00 pm (local time). Gazans on ‘evacuation routes’ attacked A report by the news agency AFP citing Hamas officials claimed that several people were killed while heading south before the 8:00 pm deadline, on Friday. ALSO READ | Gaza student speaks to WION: People walking 30km to flee Israel stikes, many camping at hospital Additionally, a security source belonging to the Palestinian militant group in Gaza, speaking on condition of anonymity, told the news agency that “two cars were bombed next to the Kuwaiti Hospital south of Gaza City”. A report by CNN citing videos it authenticated showed a scene of extensive destruction after a blast on Salah Al-Deen Street on Friday where a “number of bodies, including those of children, can be seen on a flat-bed trailer” which seemed like a vehicle being used to carry people away from Gaza City. It was not immediately clear what caused the widespread devastation, said the American media outlet. AFP citing Hamas’s health ministry and government media office said dozens of civilians heading to safety were killed in at least three locations Friday afternoon. According to reports, the bombing killed a reported 70 people, including children, which the Hamas has blamed on Israel. A report by the Guardian cited an analysis done by the Forensic Architecture investigative unit at the Palestinian human rights organisation, al-Haq which used aerial photos and social media posts to geolocate the site of the strike. The British media report citing the visuals from the aftermath of the attack said there were 12 dead bodies, most of whom were women and children. It added, that the youngest child was around two-years-old. ALSO READ | Gazans must not delay evacuation before expected offensive starts: Israel Speaking about the six-hour window, an IDF spokesperson told CNN that people in Gaza City “now know exactly what’s happening,” adding that the civilians were notified in Arabic and multiple languages on “every available” platform both electronic and non-electronic. “Everyone in Gaza City knows that they need to go past Wadi Gaza,” said Major Doron Spielman. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Israeli strikes 'kill' Gaza civilians, including children on ‘safe routes’: Reports

The Israeli military, on Saturday (Oct 14), released a statement saying that they had found the bodies of some of the hostages abducted by the Hamas militant group during their operations inside Gaza this week.

"We have found and located some bodies of Israelis who were abducted in the perimeter in the Gaza Strip," a military spokesman, Lieutenant Colonel Peter Lerner, told a briefing.

Israel claimed that at least 120 people were taken hostage when Hamas launched unprecedented attacks against Israel last week on Oct 7 that claimed the lives of at least 1,300.

The Israeli military has since orchestrated "localised" raids inside Gaza to support an air offensive on the territory that the Hamas government says has killed at least 2,215.

Lerner said the bodies of hostages were found on these "small, close-perimeter raids into the Gaza Strip".

The Israeli military has carried out air raids on thousands of Hamas targets in Gaza, said the spokesman.

"They include quality targets such as drone facilities, they include naval facilities, they include command and control facilities, they include all of the rocket facilities," Lerner said.

"Our assessment suggests that at this time Hamas are in a state of disarray, they have no idea what the situation is above ground, they have escaped into the tunnels."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-are-all-ready-israeli-pm-netanyahu-visits-areas-of-hamas-assault-for-first-time-646890">'We're all ready': Israeli PM visits areas of Hamas assault for first time</a>

The officials further indicated that civilians would be given more time to leave the north of the territory ahead of an expected full-scale ground offensive.

Lerner did not say there is a deadline to leave north Gaza but told the briefing: "We have extended once again because we realised that there is a huge amount of people that need to get out. We are continuing to encourage the population in the north of the Gaza Strip and Gaza City to go south and get out of harm's way."

Foreign ministry spokesman Lior Haiat told the briefing that Israel is not demanding that Palestinians leave Gaza but just to get out of the north.

"We gave them (civilians) the time to do so and we will continue to give civilians time to leave the places that we think Hamas is using for its terrorist infrastructure," Haiat said.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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The Israeli military, on Saturday (Oct 14), released a statement saying that they had found the bodies of some of the hostages abducted by the Hamas militant group during their operations inside Gaza this week.

The Israeli military, on Saturday (Oct 14), released a statement saying that they had found the bodies of some of the hostages abducted by the Hamas militant group during their operations inside Gaza this week. "We have found and located some bodies of Israelis who were abducted in the perimeter in the Gaza Strip," a military spokesman, Lieutenant Colonel Peter Lerner, told a briefing. Israel claimed that at least 120 people were taken hostage when Hamas launched unprecedented attacks against Israel last week on Oct 7 that claimed the lives of at least 1,300. The Israeli military has since orchestrated "localised" raids inside Gaza to support an air offensive on the territory that the Hamas government says has killed at least 2,215. Lerner said the bodies of hostages were found on these "small, close-perimeter raids into the Gaza Strip". The Israeli military has carried out air raids on thousands of Hamas targets in Gaza, said the spokesman. "They include quality targets such as drone facilities, they include naval facilities, they include command and control facilities, they include all of the rocket facilities," Lerner said. "Our assessment suggests that at this time Hamas are in a state of disarray, they have no idea what the situation is above ground, they have escaped into the tunnels." Also read: 'We're all ready': Israeli PM visits areas of Hamas assault for first time The officials further indicated that civilians would be given more time to leave the north of the territory ahead of an expected full-scale ground offensive. Lerner did not say there is a deadline to leave north Gaza but told the briefing: "We have extended once again because we realised that there is a huge amount of people that need to get out. We are continuing to encourage the population in the north of the Gaza Strip and Gaza City to go south and get out of harm's way." Foreign ministry spokesman Lior Haiat told the briefing that Israel is not demanding that Palestinians leave Gaza but just to get out of the north. "We gave them (civilians) the time to do so and we will continue to give civilians time to leave the places that we think Hamas is using for its terrorist infrastructure," Haiat said. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Israeli military says bodies of hostages abducted by Hamas found in Gaza

A senior Israeli official on Saturday admitted that the current situation in Israel reflected the "mistakes" made by him and the ones making intelligence assessments.

"It's my mistake, and it reflects the mistakes of all those making (intelligence) assessments," National Security Adviser Tzachi Hanegbi told a press briefing on being asked about his recent remarks predicting no Hamas aggression.

"We really believed that Hamas learned the lesson from&nbsp;its last major war with Israel in 2021," Hanegbi said.

He further rebuffed queries on any negotiations towards any prisoner swap deal with Hamas.

"There's no way to negotiate with an enemy we have sworn to obliterate," he said.

Last week on Saturday (Oct 7), the militant group Hamas launched an unprecedented attack against Israel breaching the Gaza border barrier. &nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-are-all-ready-israeli-pm-netanyahu-visits-areas-of-hamas-assault-for-first-time-646890">'We're all ready': Israeli PM visits areas of Hamas assault for first time</a>

As per Israeli officials, more than 1,300 civilians and security forces have been killed since the assault, and at least 120 have been seized by militants and believed to be held captive in Gaza.

<h2>US intelligence warned of assault by Hamas, reveals report</h2>

The US intelligence community is believed to have briefed President Joe Biden about the assault by Hamas in the weeks ahead of the October 7 terrorist attacks, a CNN report has revealed.

As per reports, one update shared on September 28, which was backed by multiple intelligence inputs, indicated that Hamas was planning a massive rocket attack on Israel.&nbsp;

The second assessment was produced on October 5, when the country’s Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) warned of the increasing possibility of violence by Hamas.

On October 6, the day before Hamas’ assault, US officials reportedly circulated inputs that came directly from Israel. All of this indicated a massive Gazan attack on Israel.

It was unclear whether or not the US intelligence assessments were shared with the Israeli administration.

While the intelligence hinted at the possibility of violence, none of the inputs gave details or indicated the sheer scale and brutality of the attack.

(With inputs from agencies) 
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A senior Israeli official on Saturday admitted that the current situation in Israel reflected the "mistakes" made by him and the ones making intelligence assessments.

A senior Israeli official on Saturday admitted that the current situation in Israel reflected the "mistakes" made by him and the ones making intelligence assessments. "It's my mistake, and it reflects the mistakes of all those making (intelligence) assessments," National Security Adviser Tzachi Hanegbi told a press briefing on being asked about his recent remarks predicting no Hamas aggression. "We really believed that Hamas learned the lesson from its last major war with Israel in 2021," Hanegbi said. He further rebuffed queries on any negotiations towards any prisoner swap deal with Hamas. "There's no way to negotiate with an enemy we have sworn to obliterate," he said. Last week on Saturday (Oct 7), the militant group Hamas launched an unprecedented attack against Israel breaching the Gaza border barrier. Also read: 'We're all ready': Israeli PM visits areas of Hamas assault for first time As per Israeli officials, more than 1,300 civilians and security forces have been killed since the assault, and at least 120 have been seized by militants and believed to be held captive in Gaza. US intelligence warned of assault by Hamas, reveals report The US intelligence community is believed to have briefed President Joe Biden about the assault by Hamas in the weeks ahead of the October 7 terrorist attacks, a CNN report has revealed. As per reports, one update shared on September 28, which was backed by multiple intelligence inputs, indicated that Hamas was planning a massive rocket attack on Israel. The second assessment was produced on October 5, when the country’s Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) warned of the increasing possibility of violence by Hamas. On October 6, the day before Hamas’ assault, US officials reportedly circulated inputs that came directly from Israel. All of this indicated a massive Gazan attack on Israel. It was unclear whether or not the US intelligence assessments were shared with the Israeli administration. While the intelligence hinted at the possibility of violence, none of the inputs gave details or indicated the sheer scale and brutality of the attack. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Israel admits intelligence failure in predicting Hamas attacks

Thousands of Israelis were in the midst of attending an outdoor music festival in the desert when they were thrown into chaos as Palestinian militant group Hamas launched a surprise attack, on Saturday morning (Oct 7).&nbsp;

The attack was part of a wave of unexpected incursions by the militants into southern Israel and launched one of the biggest attacks on the country in decades.&nbsp;

The musical festival attendees who managed to escape have recalled the harrowing ordeal as an all-night nature party – held near Kibbutz Re’im close to Gaza, one of the first targets of Hamas militants who entered Israel.&nbsp; 
 
(Trigger warning: Some readers may find details of this report disturbing. Discretion is advised.)

<h2>Dor’s story</h2>

In a video posted by an X user Yael Bar tur, Dor who is said to be a massage therapist in Israel recalled the harrowing details of how he managed to escape the desert.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-how-a-desert-music-festival-became-site-of-hamas-terror-attack-hostage-taking-643977">How a desert music festival became site of Hamas terror attack, hostage taking</a>

“I had a massage stand (at the festival). Everything was amazing until 6:00 am (local time). We saw trails of missiles rising in the air. At the time music stopped and there was shouting ‘the party is over’,” said Dor.&nbsp;

He went on to say how there was panic on the ground, where some people were lying on the floor others were running and “it became total chaos”.&nbsp;

Subsequently, Dor, who was accompanied by his friend, heard gunshots getting closer and they ran towards the parking lots, drove between tents in their jeep and picked up rifles from dead soldiers on their way.&nbsp;

They managed to get to the bypass road when they encountered a group of militants on motorcycles,&nbsp;said Dor, and the militant&nbsp;chanted some anti-Jew remarks at him before they began shooting at the vehicle.&nbsp;

Subsequently, he kept driving in a “zig-zag pattern” to dodge the gunshots but his friend Gilad who was in the vehicle with him at the time got “shrapnel in the head”. “We see sprayed vehicles…bodies on the floor…” said Dor.&nbsp;

He said that a group of Hamas militants arrived and began shooting at the toilet doors while they were hiding in one of them and described it as “six hours of horror”. They were later rescued by the Israeli military.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/no-hamas-you-dont-attack-a-music-fest-palestinians-lost-perception-war-with-reign-of-terror-646464">No Hamas, you don't attack a music fest: Palestinians lost perception war with reign of terror</a>

“People will not be who they were again. Even if our friends return from over the border…those who have been kidnapped. Will never be the same again,” said Dor.&nbsp;

Watch the full video here:&nbsp; 
 
Content warning: The visuals may be disturbing to some users.&nbsp;Viewer discretion is advised. WION is not responsible for the content of the video.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Heroes of Israel: This is Dor, a massage therapist. 
 
His escape included grabbing rifles off dead soldiers, picking up injured friends, and swerving into at least two terrorists on motorcycles to drive them off the road. A horror action film that Hollywood can’t even imagine.… <a href="https://t.co/QCVYV76A6Z">pic.twitter.com/QCVYV76A6Z</a>
— Yael Bar tur (@yaelbt) <a href="https://twitter.com/yaelbt/status/1712218368172872047?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 11, 2023</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

<h2>What happened on that day?</h2>

As the war nears the one-week mark, several videos shared on social media platforms and by Israeli news outlets purportedly show what happened on the day as dozens of festival goers were seen running across an open field as gunshots were fired.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/23-year-old-sends-chilling-text-before-going-missing-from-israeli-rave-party-attack-644447">23-year-old sends chilling text before going missing from Israeli rave party</a>

Many of them were gunned down as they tried to flee and some hid in the fruit orchards. The Israeli rescue service Zaka on Sunday (Oct 8) confirmed that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-brutal-hamas-attack-israeli-rescue-service-retrieve-260-bodies-from-music-festival-644281">260 dead bodies</a> were retrieved from the site by the paramedics but the total death toll is likely to go higher as other paramedic teams work in the area.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

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Thousands of Israelis were in the midst of attending an outdoor music festival in the desert when they were thrown into chaos as Palestinian militant group Hamas launched a surprise attack, on Saturday morning (Oct 7).

Thousands of Israelis were in the midst of attending an outdoor music festival in the desert when they were thrown into chaos as Palestinian militant group Hamas launched a surprise attack, on Saturday morning (Oct 7). The attack was part of a wave of unexpected incursions by the militants into southern Israel and launched one of the biggest attacks on the country in decades. The musical festival attendees who managed to escape have recalled the harrowing ordeal as an all-night nature party – held near Kibbutz Re’im close to Gaza, one of the first targets of Hamas militants who entered Israel. (Trigger warning: Some readers may find details of this report disturbing. Discretion is advised.) Dor’s story In a video posted by an X user Yael Bar tur, Dor who is said to be a massage therapist in Israel recalled the harrowing details of how he managed to escape the desert. ALSO READ | How a desert music festival became site of Hamas terror attack, hostage taking “I had a massage stand (at the festival). Everything was amazing until 6:00 am (local time). We saw trails of missiles rising in the air. At the time music stopped and there was shouting ‘the party is over’,” said Dor. He went on to say how there was panic on the ground, where some people were lying on the floor others were running and “it became total chaos”. Subsequently, Dor, who was accompanied by his friend, heard gunshots getting closer and they ran towards the parking lots, drove between tents in their jeep and picked up rifles from dead soldiers on their way. They managed to get to the bypass road when they encountered a group of militants on motorcycles, said Dor, and the militant chanted some anti-Jew remarks at him before they began shooting at the vehicle. Subsequently, he kept driving in a “zig-zag pattern” to dodge the gunshots but his friend Gilad who was in the vehicle with him at the time got “shrapnel in the head”. “We see sprayed vehicles…bodies on the floor…” said Dor. He said that a group of Hamas militants arrived and began shooting at the toilet doors while they were hiding in one of them and described it as “six hours of horror”. They were later rescued by the Israeli military. ALSO READ | No Hamas, you don't attack a music fest: Palestinians lost perception war with reign of terror “People will not be who they were again. Even if our friends return from over the border…those who have been kidnapped. Will never be the same again,” said Dor. Watch the full video here: Content warning: The visuals may be disturbing to some users. Viewer discretion is advised. WION is not responsible for the content of the video. Heroes of Israel: This is Dor, a massage therapist. His escape included grabbing rifles off dead soldiers, picking up injured friends, and swerving into at least two terrorists on motorcycles to drive them off the road. A horror action film that Hollywood can’t even imagine.… pic.twitter.com/QCVYV76A6Z — Yael Bar tur (@yaelbt) October 11, 2023 × What happened on that day? As the war nears the one-week mark, several videos shared on social media platforms and by Israeli news outlets purportedly show what happened on the day as dozens of festival goers were seen running across an open field as gunshots were fired. ALSO READ | 23-year-old sends chilling text before going missing from Israeli rave party Many of them were gunned down as they tried to flee and some hid in the fruit orchards. The Israeli rescue service Zaka on Sunday (Oct 8) confirmed that 260 dead bodies were retrieved from the site by the paramedics but the total death toll is likely to go higher as other paramedic teams work in the area. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Video | ‘Will never be same again’, says Israel music festival attendee, recalls details of Hamas attack

On the sixth day of the ever-escalating Israel-Hamas war, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said that, apart from bombarding the Gaza Strip, they have been striking parts of secret tunnels that have been built by Hamas in the embattled zone. 
 
These passageways have been a mystery forever with nothing to very little known about it in the outside world. Israel has raised the issue of Hamas operating these labyrinth of tunnels under Gaza repeatedly using it either to smuggle weapons, fighters or other contraband. 
 
"Think of the Gaza Strip as one layer for civilians and then another layer for Hamas. We are trying to get to that second layer that Hamas has built," said an Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesperson in a video, released on Thursday (Oct 12). 
 
"These aren't bunkers for Gazan civilians. It's only for Hamas and other terrorists so that they can continue to fire rockets at Israel, to plan operations, to launch terrorists into Israel," they added. 
 
As Israel plans a ground offensive in Gaza, the experts hint that an extensive network of tunnels under Gaza may pose as one of the biggest challenges to the Israeli army in the densely populated region.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-gaza-strip-and-the-struggle-for-survival-for-millions-of-its-residents-645290">Gaza Strip and the struggle for survival for millions of its residents</a>

<h2>History of the 'Gaza Metro' tunnel system</h2>

Since the 1980s, the tunnels have been a part of the life of Gazans, however, its importance increased after Hamas removed Fatah from the seat of power and subsequently severe restrictions were placed on the movement of goods and people by Israel and Egypt on the territory. 
 
Before the Gaza Strip came under the control of the Hamas, the tunnel labyrinth was being used for smuggling. A few tunnels, which were located across their border with Gaza, were destroyed by Egypt. 
 
However, the tunnels towards Israel were slowly expanded and started being used by Hamas for more sinister goals. Israel dubbed these tunnels as the "Gaza Metro" because they believed it stretched under a territory which was only 41km (25 miles) long and 10km wide. 
 
After a conflict in 2021, the IDF claimed to have launched air strikes on more than 100km of tunnels and destroyed them. However, Hamas in its counterclaims stated that the tunnels stretched only 500km, which meant only 5 per cent of it was hit. 
 
At one time, nearly 2,500 tunnels which were underneath the Egyptian border were being used for smuggling fuels, weapons and commercial goods by other militant groups. 
 
Through time, smuggling did not remain the primary purpose of the tunnel, especially after 2010, when Israel started allowing the import of more goods through its crossings. Later, smuggling was stopped by Egypt by flooding or destroying the tunnels.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-gaza-strip-and-the-struggle-for-survival-for-millions-of-its-residents-645290">Explained: Gaza Strip and the struggle for survival for millions of its residents</a>

<h2>Role played by tunnels in terror attacks of Hamas</h2>

In 2006, Hamas captured Israeli soldier Gilad Shalid and killed his two colleagues in a cross-border raid, through tunnels. The soldier remained captured by Hamas for two years before he was released under a prisoner exchange deal. 
 
In some years, the Israelis started calling these tunnels as "terror tunnels" and further restricted the entry of construction materials into the Gaza Strip. 
 
A 1.6km-long, 18m-deep tunnel, which had a concrete roof and walls, was discovered by the IDF in 2013. The tunnel, which was found after strange sounds were heard by the residents, ran from the Gaza Strip to land near an Israeli kibbutz. 
 
The year after, Israel emphasised the need to curb the threat of attacks which were being carried out by Hamas militants using such "terror tunnels".

WATCH |&nbsp;A humanitarian crisis unfolds in Gaza | The West Asia Post

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<h2>Key role of ‘terror tunnels’ in October 7 attacks</h2>

The shocking attacks of Hamas which shook Israel last weekend were a combination of simultaneous attacks via water and land and a barrage of rocket strikes. 
 
The border of Israel with Gaza remains fenced and has sensors installed which can detect movement. However, no early warning was issued before a surprise attack was launched by Hamas on civilians. 
 
The experts believe that tunnels may have played an important role in the undetected crossing of Hamas operatives into Israel. 
 
The fence built by Israel on the Gaza border is 30 feet high and has an underground concrete barrier. So, the only way Hamas operatives were able to enter Israel undetected would have been by digging tunnels under the barrier and the fence. 
 
Speaking to the BBC, Reichman University faculty member Dr Daphne Richemond-Barak said that the Gaza Strip has sophisticated tunnels, unlike the rudimentary tunnels over the borders. 
 
"The cross-border tunnels tend to be rudimentary, meaning they have barely any fortification. They are dug for a one-time purpose - invading Israeli territory," she said. 
 
The tunnels inside, Richemond-Barak said are, "equipped for a longer, sustained presence". "The leaders are hiding there, they have command-and-control centres, they use them for transport and lines of communication," she added.

(With inputs from agencies)

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On the sixth day of the ever-escalating Israel-Hamas war, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said that, apart from bombarding the Gaza Strip, they have been striking parts of secret tunnels that have been built by Hamas in the embattled zone.

On the sixth day of the ever-escalating Israel-Hamas war, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said that, apart from bombarding the Gaza Strip, they have been striking parts of secret tunnels that have been built by Hamas in the embattled zone. These passageways have been a mystery forever with nothing to very little known about it in the outside world. Israel has raised the issue of Hamas operating these labyrinth of tunnels under Gaza repeatedly using it either to smuggle weapons, fighters or other contraband. "Think of the Gaza Strip as one layer for civilians and then another layer for Hamas. We are trying to get to that second layer that Hamas has built," said an Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesperson in a video, released on Thursday (Oct 12). "These aren't bunkers for Gazan civilians. It's only for Hamas and other terrorists so that they can continue to fire rockets at Israel, to plan operations, to launch terrorists into Israel," they added. As Israel plans a ground offensive in Gaza, the experts hint that an extensive network of tunnels under Gaza may pose as one of the biggest challenges to the Israeli army in the densely populated region. Also read: Gaza Strip and the struggle for survival for millions of its residents History of the 'Gaza Metro' tunnel system Since the 1980s, the tunnels have been a part of the life of Gazans, however, its importance increased after Hamas removed Fatah from the seat of power and subsequently severe restrictions were placed on the movement of goods and people by Israel and Egypt on the territory. Before the Gaza Strip came under the control of the Hamas, the tunnel labyrinth was being used for smuggling. A few tunnels, which were located across their border with Gaza, were destroyed by Egypt. However, the tunnels towards Israel were slowly expanded and started being used by Hamas for more sinister goals. Israel dubbed these tunnels as the "Gaza Metro" because they believed it stretched under a territory which was only 41km (25 miles) long and 10km wide. After a conflict in 2021, the IDF claimed to have launched air strikes on more than 100km of tunnels and destroyed them. However, Hamas in its counterclaims stated that the tunnels stretched only 500km, which meant only 5 per cent of it was hit. At one time, nearly 2,500 tunnels which were underneath the Egyptian border were being used for smuggling fuels, weapons and commercial goods by other militant groups. Through time, smuggling did not remain the primary purpose of the tunnel, especially after 2010, when Israel started allowing the import of more goods through its crossings. Later, smuggling was stopped by Egypt by flooding or destroying the tunnels. ALSO READ | Explained: Gaza Strip and the struggle for survival for millions of its residents Role played by tunnels in terror attacks of Hamas In 2006, Hamas captured Israeli soldier Gilad Shalid and killed his two colleagues in a cross-border raid, through tunnels. The soldier remained captured by Hamas for two years before he was released under a prisoner exchange deal. In some years, the Israelis started calling these tunnels as "terror tunnels" and further restricted the entry of construction materials into the Gaza Strip. A 1.6km-long, 18m-deep tunnel, which had a concrete roof and walls, was discovered by the IDF in 2013. The tunnel, which was found after strange sounds were heard by the residents, ran from the Gaza Strip to land near an Israeli kibbutz. The year after, Israel emphasised the need to curb the threat of attacks which were being carried out by Hamas militants using such "terror tunnels". WATCH | A humanitarian crisis unfolds in Gaza | The West Asia Post Key role of ‘terror tunnels’ in October 7 attacks The shocking attacks of Hamas which shook Israel last weekend were a combination of simultaneous attacks via water and land and a barrage of rocket strikes. The border of Israel with Gaza remains fenced and has sensors installed which can detect movement. However, no early warning was issued before a surprise attack was launched by Hamas on civilians. The experts believe that tunnels may have played an important role in the undetected crossing of Hamas operatives into Israel. The fence built by Israel on the Gaza border is 30 feet high and has an underground concrete barrier. So, the only way Hamas operatives were able to enter Israel undetected would have been by digging tunnels under the barrier and the fence. Speaking to the BBC, Reichman University faculty member Dr Daphne Richemond-Barak said that the Gaza Strip has sophisticated tunnels, unlike the rudimentary tunnels over the borders. "The cross-border tunnels tend to be rudimentary, meaning they have barely any fortification. They are dug for a one-time purpose - invading Israeli territory," she said. The tunnels inside, Richemond-Barak said are, "equipped for a longer, sustained presence". "The leaders are hiding there, they have command-and-control centres, they use them for transport and lines of communication," she added. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Explained | Hamas' mysterious tunnels in Gaza that pose challenge for Israel

The Israeli army claims to have killed the commander of the Hamas’ commando forces, on Saturday (Oct 14) who led the deadly attack on southern Israel, last week. This comes after Israel said that it killed a senior commander of Hamas who headed their aerial operations in Gaza City.&nbsp;

<h2>Hamas commander who led attacks in southern Israel killed</h2>

According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), the Palestinian military group member Ali Qadhi, a company commander in the so-called Nukhba unit, was killed in a drone strike following intelligence efforts by the Shin Bet security agency and Israel’s military intelligence directorate.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/top-secret-document-reveals-hamas-plan-to-target-school-and-children-646590">‘Top secret’ document reveals Hamas’ sinister plan to target schools and children</a>

Qadhi “led a terrorist attack in the settlements surrounding Gaza last weekend,” said the IDF. According to the Israeli army, Qadhi was arrested by Israel in 2005 over the “kidnapping and murder of Israelis” and was released to the Gaza Strip as a part of the Gilad Shalit deal in 2011. 
 
Content warning: The visuals may be disturbing to some users.&nbsp;Viewer discretion is advised. WION is not responsible for the content of the video.

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כלי טיס של חיל-אוויר, בהכוונה מודיעינית של שב"כ ואמ"ן, חיסלו את עלי קאצ'י, מפקד בכוח הנח'בה של ארגון הטרור חמאס, שהוביל מתקפת טרור ביישובי עוטף עזה בסוף השבוע האחרון. בשנת 2005 עלי נעצר בעקבות חטיפה ורצח של ישראלים והוחזר כחלק מעסקת גלעד שליט. <a href="https://t.co/BpfqdxEUeT">pic.twitter.com/BpfqdxEUeT</a>
— Israeli Air Force (@IAFsite) <a href="https://twitter.com/IAFsite/status/1713124700795117712?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 14, 2023</a></blockquote>
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However, the statement did not specify the location or timing of the strike. A Hamas official told AFP that the group had “no comment” about the Israeli claim but speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed Qadi, 37, was a unit commander in the elite Hamas force.

On October 7, Hamas militants broke through the militarised security barrier around the Gaza Strip and killed at least 1,300 people in southern Israel.&nbsp;

<h2>Israeli strike eliminates Murad Abu Murad</h2>

Earlier on Saturday, the Israeli army also said that they killed Murad Abu Murad over the past day when fighter jets struck an operational centre of Hamas from where the group carried out its “aerial”&nbsp;activity.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/middle-east/wion-exclusive-israeli-survivor-recounts-terror-at-music-festival-646688">'There were THOUSANDS...': Israeli survivor recounts terror at music festival to WION</a>

However, there was no immediate confirmation from Hamas.&nbsp;

Palestinian Islamist group Hamas took Israel by surprise last week marking the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-israel-witnesses-deadliest-day-of-violence-in-50-years-amid-hamas-attack-643845/#robust-ground-invasion-643848">deadliest day of violence</a> in Israel since the Yom Kippur war 50 years ago.&nbsp;

More than 2,200 people have been killed in Gaza, a week since Hamas launched its attack, triggering retaliatory Israeli bombardment. Additionally, more than 1,300 buildings in the Gaza Strip have been destroyed, the United Nations said Saturday (Oct 14).&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

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The Israeli army claims to have killed the commander of the Hamas’ commando forces, on Saturday (Oct 14) who led the deadly attack on southern Israel, last week.

The Israeli army claims to have killed the commander of the Hamas’ commando forces, on Saturday (Oct 14) who led the deadly attack on southern Israel, last week. This comes after Israel said that it killed a senior commander of Hamas who headed their aerial operations in Gaza City. Hamas commander who led attacks in southern Israel killed According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), the Palestinian military group member Ali Qadhi, a company commander in the so-called Nukhba unit, was killed in a drone strike following intelligence efforts by the Shin Bet security agency and Israel’s military intelligence directorate. ALSO READ | ‘Top secret’ document reveals Hamas’ sinister plan to target schools and children Qadhi “led a terrorist attack in the settlements surrounding Gaza last weekend,” said the IDF. According to the Israeli army, Qadhi was arrested by Israel in 2005 over the “kidnapping and murder of Israelis” and was released to the Gaza Strip as a part of the Gilad Shalit deal in 2011. Content warning: The visuals may be disturbing to some users. Viewer discretion is advised. WION is not responsible for the content of the video. כלי טיס של חיל-אוויר, בהכוונה מודיעינית של שב"כ ואמ"ן, חיסלו את עלי קאצ'י, מפקד בכוח הנח'בה של ארגון הטרור חמאס, שהוביל מתקפת טרור ביישובי עוטף עזה בסוף השבוע האחרון. בשנת 2005 עלי נעצר בעקבות חטיפה ורצח של ישראלים והוחזר כחלק מעסקת גלעד שליט. pic.twitter.com/BpfqdxEUeT — Israeli Air Force (@IAFsite) October 14, 2023 × However, the statement did not specify the location or timing of the strike. A Hamas official told AFP that the group had “no comment” about the Israeli claim but speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed Qadi, 37, was a unit commander in the elite Hamas force. On October 7, Hamas militants broke through the militarised security barrier around the Gaza Strip and killed at least 1,300 people in southern Israel. Israeli strike eliminates Murad Abu Murad Earlier on Saturday, the Israeli army also said that they killed Murad Abu Murad over the past day when fighter jets struck an operational centre of Hamas from where the group carried out its “aerial” activity. ALSO READ | 'There were THOUSANDS...': Israeli survivor recounts terror at music festival to WION However, there was no immediate confirmation from Hamas. Palestinian Islamist group Hamas took Israel by surprise last week marking the deadliest day of violence in Israel since the Yom Kippur war 50 years ago. More than 2,200 people have been killed in Gaza, a week since Hamas launched its attack, triggering retaliatory Israeli bombardment. Additionally, more than 1,300 buildings in the Gaza Strip have been destroyed, the United Nations said Saturday (Oct 14). (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Israel-Hamas war: Israeli army claims to have killed two Hamas commanders who led attack

THE PAST IS A courtroom without walls, its simultaneous trials a contentious cacophony, every judge sifting evidence through the sieve of self-interest, every jury a sectarian populace driven by rage or outrage. Wars born in perceived injustice reinvent themselves with fierce consistency. If history is guilty, how many generations must be sentenced to death?

For too long and for too many, peace has been an uneasy twilight between wars. Civilians feed on false hope while those in charge of the narrative build arsenals for the next battle. In the origin lands of the three Abrahamic faiths, Judaism, Christianity and Islam, peace is being erased from the dictionary of human behaviour, at both the collective and the individual level. The self is not at peace with itself, while crowds roam in perennial pursuit of assertion or vengeance, the difference often indistinguishable. The time-bridge between spasms of brutal conflict is a squalid, fetid calm waiting to spew its toxins.

I am circling around the subject, since blame is a chameleon. Each time you blink, blame changes colour. The not-so-human being has learnt but one thing since Cain killed his brother Abel, that life survives death. Murder is an episode, rather than a finality. According to Genesis, the creation chapter in the Bible, God banished Cain but did not abandon him; he was sent to the land of Nod, east of Eden, instead of the gallows, with divine protection. God promised “vengeance seven times over” upon anyone who killed Cain. The mark of Cain did not signify guilt; it was a device to protect Cain from being killed. This was God’s justice. Murder became a memory.

Human nature, liberated from accountability by the protective armour of a higher cause, slipped into perpetual war. The more religious the conflict, the more bitter the bloodshed. With the promise of heaven we let loose hell on earth. The desert, the sea, the home and hearth, are red again in the land of Abraham. Antagonists remain hostage to the dreams and defeats of forefathers. Destiny’s doctrine is scrawled in blood upon tombstones.

This round of the conflict in West Asia began during World War I, through the machinations of European imperialism, led by Britain and France. After an acrid century, one feels helpless as television screens fill with the pain of Israelis and Palestinians who have lost those they loved. Anguish is neither justice nor solace, but that is all that remains in the ashes of unending tragedy.

I have seen the Nazi concentration camps created by barbarians for the complete elimination of Jews at Auschwitz and still break down at the memory: did those Nazis go to church? If any did, they must have also planned a final solution for the thesis of a merciful God.

There can be no equivalence, and those who suggest it are ignorant or warped. But generations of Palestinians festering in limbo is not sustainable. No one, including Arab governments, even suggests an answer. The visible is septic, the invisible inflammatory. War is the lava of a bubbling volcano. Salauddin Ayyubi, more familiar as Saladin, a hero of refugee camps, never fought Jews; his enemy was the triumphant Christian Crusader. But Saladin spoke an eternal truth when he warned that blood does not sleep.

Blood has risen again. As have questions. Hamas began this war, using foot soldiers against military targets and terrorism against Israeli civilians. It paraded corpses to provoke outrage and foment a wider conflagration. But does it have any objective beyond widening the arc of destruction?

Benjamin Netanyahu’s government, responsible for the worst intelligence failure in Israel’s history, promised vengeance, siege and starvation of Gaza in retaliation. By the morning of October 10, Tel Aviv announced that 1,500 Hamas militants had been killed. The figures are incomplete. The Law of Moses, an eye for an eye, demands precision. Blood sates blood.

It is significant that Arab states have not supported Hamas. They want some return of status quo, although this war has probably changed the status beyond recall. But Riyadh, Abu Dhabi, Cairo, Doha, and Tel Aviv must cooperate if only to stop the vultures wheeling across the darkening skies.

This article first appeared in Open Magazine.

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)&nbsp;

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THE PAST IS A courtroom without walls, its simultaneous trials a contentious cacophony, every judge sifting evidence through the sieve of self-interest, every jury a sectarian populace driven by rage or outrage.

THE PAST IS A courtroom without walls, its simultaneous trials a contentious cacophony, every judge sifting evidence through the sieve of self-interest, every jury a sectarian populace driven by rage or outrage. Wars born in perceived injustice reinvent themselves with fierce consistency. If history is guilty, how many generations must be sentenced to death? For too long and for too many, peace has been an uneasy twilight between wars. Civilians feed on false hope while those in charge of the narrative build arsenals for the next battle. In the origin lands of the three Abrahamic faiths, Judaism, Christianity and Islam, peace is being erased from the dictionary of human behaviour, at both the collective and the individual level. The self is not at peace with itself, while crowds roam in perennial pursuit of assertion or vengeance, the difference often indistinguishable. The time-bridge between spasms of brutal conflict is a squalid, fetid calm waiting to spew its toxins. I am circling around the subject, since blame is a chameleon. Each time you blink, blame changes colour. The not-so-human being has learnt but one thing since Cain killed his brother Abel, that life survives death. Murder is an episode, rather than a finality. According to Genesis, the creation chapter in the Bible, God banished Cain but did not abandon him; he was sent to the land of Nod, east of Eden, instead of the gallows, with divine protection. God promised “vengeance seven times over” upon anyone who killed Cain. The mark of Cain did not signify guilt; it was a device to protect Cain from being killed. This was God’s justice. Murder became a memory. Human nature, liberated from accountability by the protective armour of a higher cause, slipped into perpetual war. The more religious the conflict, the more bitter the bloodshed. With the promise of heaven we let loose hell on earth. The desert, the sea, the home and hearth, are red again in the land of Abraham. Antagonists remain hostage to the dreams and defeats of forefathers. Destiny’s doctrine is scrawled in blood upon tombstones. This round of the conflict in West Asia began during World War I, through the machinations of European imperialism, led by Britain and France. After an acrid century, one feels helpless as television screens fill with the pain of Israelis and Palestinians who have lost those they loved. Anguish is neither justice nor solace, but that is all that remains in the ashes of unending tragedy. I have seen the Nazi concentration camps created by barbarians for the complete elimination of Jews at Auschwitz and still break down at the memory: did those Nazis go to church? If any did, they must have also planned a final solution for the thesis of a merciful God. There can be no equivalence, and those who suggest it are ignorant or warped. But generations of Palestinians festering in limbo is not sustainable. No one, including Arab governments, even suggests an answer. The visible is septic, the invisible inflammatory. War is the lava of a bubbling volcano. Salauddin Ayyubi, more familiar as Saladin, a hero of refugee camps, never fought Jews; his enemy was the triumphant Christian Crusader. But Saladin spoke an eternal truth when he warned that blood does not sleep. Blood has risen again. As have questions. Hamas began this war, using foot soldiers against military targets and terrorism against Israeli civilians. It paraded corpses to provoke outrage and foment a wider conflagration. But does it have any objective beyond widening the arc of destruction? Benjamin Netanyahu’s government, responsible for the worst intelligence failure in Israel’s history, promised vengeance, siege and starvation of Gaza in retaliation. By the morning of October 10, Tel Aviv announced that 1,500 Hamas militants had been killed. The figures are incomplete. The Law of Moses, an eye for an eye, demands precision. Blood sates blood. It is significant that Arab states have not supported Hamas. They want some return of status quo, although this war has probably changed the status beyond recall. But Riyadh, Abu Dhabi, Cairo, Doha, and Tel Aviv must cooperate if only to stop the vultures wheeling across the darkening skies. This article first appeared in Open Magazine. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Does Hamas have an objective beyond widening the arc of destruction?

Saudi Arabia is reportedly putting plans of normalisation of ties with Israel on the back burner in light of the latest conflict between Israel and Hamas, Reuters reported citing sources. This has signalled rapid rethinking of its foreign policy amid escalation of situation in the Middle East.

The conflict has pushed Saudi Arabia to engage more with Iran, its regional foe. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman spoke with Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi with a view to prevent broader surge in violence which may span the entire Middle East.

A Saudi statement said the crown prince told Raisi "the kingdom is exerting maximum effort to engage with all international and regional parties to halt the ongoing escalation", underling Riyadh's move to contain the crisis.

Reuters said that there would now be delay in US-backed talks on normalisation of ties with Israel.

Until Hamas' attack on Israel on October 7, both Saudi Arabia and Israel had been saying that they were moving towards a normalisation deal. This had potential to reshape the geopolitical scenario in the Middle East.

Saudi Arabia is home to Islam's two holiest sites. The kingdom had reportedly indicated till recently that it would not allow its pursuit of a U.S. defence pact be derailed even if Israel did not offer significant concessions to the Palestinians in the their bid for statehood.

As the Israel-Hamas conflict completes a week, at least 1300 Israelis have been killed till now. On the Palestinian side, 1900 people have lost lives.

Watch | Israel-Palestine war: Israelis slam authorities for intel failure

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Reuters said that Saudi Arabia is not in a mood to continue normalisation talks with Israel for now and Israeli concessions for Palestinians may assume greater importance in the kingdom's calculus.

<h2>A 'taboo'</h2>

"Normalisation was already considered taboo (in the Arab world) ... this war only amplifies that," Saudi analyst Aziz Alghashian said as quoted by Reuters.

The US has been working for greater intergration of Israel with the Arab world that immediately surrounds it geohraphically. Washington has been keen to build on the Abraham Accords which saw normalisation of ties between Israel and some Gulf states, including the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hamas-video-shows-fighters-with-captive-israeli-children-report-646586">Hamas video shows fighters with captive Israeli children: Report</a>

On its part, the US has maintained that normalisation process has not been abandoned.

US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said in a White House briefing earlier this week that normalisation effort was "not on hold" but also added that the focus was now on other immediate challenges, an apparent reference to Israel-Hamas war.

(With inputs from agencies)

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&nbsp;

Saudi Arabia is reportedly putting plans of normalisation of ties with Israel on the back burner in light of the latest conflict between Israel and Hamas, Reuters reported citing sources.

Saudi Arabia is reportedly putting plans of normalisation of ties with Israel on the back burner in light of the latest conflict between Israel and Hamas, Reuters reported citing sources. This has signalled rapid rethinking of its foreign policy amid escalation of situation in the Middle East. The conflict has pushed Saudi Arabia to engage more with Iran, its regional foe. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman spoke with Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi with a view to prevent broader surge in violence which may span the entire Middle East. A Saudi statement said the crown prince told Raisi "the kingdom is exerting maximum effort to engage with all international and regional parties to halt the ongoing escalation", underling Riyadh's move to contain the crisis. Reuters said that there would now be delay in US-backed talks on normalisation of ties with Israel. Until Hamas' attack on Israel on October 7, both Saudi Arabia and Israel had been saying that they were moving towards a normalisation deal. This had potential to reshape the geopolitical scenario in the Middle East. Saudi Arabia is home to Islam's two holiest sites. The kingdom had reportedly indicated till recently that it would not allow its pursuit of a U.S. defence pact be derailed even if Israel did not offer significant concessions to the Palestinians in the their bid for statehood. As the Israel-Hamas conflict completes a week, at least 1300 Israelis have been killed till now. On the Palestinian side, 1900 people have lost lives. Watch | Israel-Palestine war: Israelis slam authorities for intel failure × Reuters said that Saudi Arabia is not in a mood to continue normalisation talks with Israel for now and Israeli concessions for Palestinians may assume greater importance in the kingdom's calculus. A 'taboo' "Normalisation was already considered taboo (in the Arab world) ... this war only amplifies that," Saudi analyst Aziz Alghashian said as quoted by Reuters. The US has been working for greater intergration of Israel with the Arab world that immediately surrounds it geohraphically. Washington has been keen to build on the Abraham Accords which saw normalisation of ties between Israel and some Gulf states, including the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Also Read | Hamas video shows fighters with captive Israeli children: Report On its part, the US has maintained that normalisation process has not been abandoned. US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said in a White House briefing earlier this week that normalisation effort was "not on hold" but also added that the focus was now on other immediate challenges, an apparent reference to Israel-Hamas war. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Saudi Arabia puts normalisation of ties with Israel on hold: Report

A video released by Hamas on Friday (October 13), showed militants with Israeli children they had captured during the cross-border attack, said Reuters. Israel has been alleging that the Palestinians had slain children.

The video reportedly shows balaclava-clad militants who are bandaging the foot of an Israeli child while others can be seen carrying infants. A caption during the video says it was filmed at Holit. It is one of Israeli border communities stormed by Hamas killing hundreds of people.

"See the mercy in our hearts, here are the children, we did not kill them as you do,” an unnamed militant in the video said.

Holit, is a kibbutz or communal farm located just 2 kilometre (1.2 miles) from Gaza. It was one of the targets during Hamas' surprise attack on October 7.

Israeli Defense Forces (IDF)&nbsp; pounced on the video and underlined the 'cries' and 'fear' of the children. IDF posted a video on X (formerly Twitter) containing some of the same visuals from the Hamas video.

"You can see their injuries, hear their cries and feel them trembling from fear as these children are held hostage in their own homes by Hamas terrorists and their parents lie there dead in the next room. These are the terrorists that we are going to defeat," posted IDF.

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You can see their injuries, 
hear their cries 
and feel them trembling from fear as these children are held hostage in their own homes by Hamas terrorists and their parents lie there dead in the next room. 
 
These are the terrorists that we are going to defeat. <a href="https://t.co/myDsGnOzT1">pic.twitter.com/myDsGnOzT1</a>
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) <a href="https://twitter.com/IDF/status/1713026330692899324?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 14, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Till the morning of October 14, the death toll on the Israeli side had crossed the 1300-mark while at least 1900 people were killed on the Palestinian side.

Watch | Israel-Palestine war: Israelis slam authorities for intel failure

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Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office has also released on social media a picture of a dead infant in a pool of blood and the charred body of a child, part of an apparent effort to stoke global anger against the Gaza militants over the recent attack.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-arabia-puts-normalisation-with-israel-on-ice-report-646613">Saudi Arabia puts normalisation with Israel on ice: Report</a>

Since the surprise attack from Hamas, Israel has responded with most devastating air-strikes in its 75-year conflict with Palestinians. As of Saturday (Oct 14), at least 1300 people have been killed on Israeli side while at least 1800 deaths have occurred on Palestinian side.

(With inputs from agencies)

Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

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&nbsp;

A video released by Hamas on Friday (October 13), showed militants with Israeli children they had captured during the cross-border attack, said Reuters. Israel has been alleging that the Palestinians had slain children.

A video released by Hamas on Friday (October 13), showed militants with Israeli children they had captured during the cross-border attack, said Reuters. Israel has been alleging that the Palestinians had slain children. The video reportedly shows balaclava-clad militants who are bandaging the foot of an Israeli child while others can be seen carrying infants. A caption during the video says it was filmed at Holit. It is one of Israeli border communities stormed by Hamas killing hundreds of people. "See the mercy in our hearts, here are the children, we did not kill them as you do,” an unnamed militant in the video said. Holit, is a kibbutz or communal farm located just 2 kilometre (1.2 miles) from Gaza. It was one of the targets during Hamas' surprise attack on October 7. Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) pounced on the video and underlined the 'cries' and 'fear' of the children. IDF posted a video on X (formerly Twitter) containing some of the same visuals from the Hamas video. "You can see their injuries, hear their cries and feel them trembling from fear as these children are held hostage in their own homes by Hamas terrorists and their parents lie there dead in the next room. These are the terrorists that we are going to defeat," posted IDF. You can see their injuries, hear their cries and feel them trembling from fear as these children are held hostage in their own homes by Hamas terrorists and their parents lie there dead in the next room. These are the terrorists that we are going to defeat. pic.twitter.com/myDsGnOzT1 — Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) October 14, 2023 × Till the morning of October 14, the death toll on the Israeli side had crossed the 1300-mark while at least 1900 people were killed on the Palestinian side. Watch | Israel-Palestine war: Israelis slam authorities for intel failure × Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office has also released on social media a picture of a dead infant in a pool of blood and the charred body of a child, part of an apparent effort to stoke global anger against the Gaza militants over the recent attack. Also Read | Saudi Arabia puts normalisation with Israel on ice: Report Since the surprise attack from Hamas, Israel has responded with most devastating air-strikes in its 75-year conflict with Palestinians. As of Saturday (Oct 14), at least 1300 people have been killed on Israeli side while at least 1800 deaths have occurred on Palestinian side. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Hamas video shows fighters with captive Israeli children: Report

In a seeming spread of violence due to Hamas’ surprise attack on Israel, as many as 44 Palestinians have been killed, since Saturday (Oct 7) according to the Palestinian health ministry, while more than 200 wanted Palestinians have been arrested across the West Bank, said the Israeli army.&nbsp;

<h2>Nine killed in West Bank due to Israeli fire: Palestinian health ministry</h2>

At least nine Palestinians were killed on Friday (Oct 13) by Israeli fire across several cities and towns in the occupied West Bank during rallies in solidarity with the war-battered Gaza Strip, reported news agency AFP.&nbsp;

According to AFP and security officials, clashes erupted in West Bank’s Ramallah, Nablus, Tulkarm, Hebron and other cities and towns nearly a week after Hamas launched a surprise attack against Israel, which later spiralled into an all-out war.

So far, Israel has reported the deaths of more than 1,300 people, including army personnel and civilians. Meanwhile, in Gaza, over 1799 Palestinians have been killed, according to the health ministry.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/palestinian-killed-amid-settler-violence-in-west-bank-over-50-injured-after-clashes-with-israeli-military-643488">Palestinian killed amid settler violence in West Bank; over 50 injured after clashes with Israeli military</a>

The Palestinian health ministry in Gaza has also reported the death of at least 44 Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank since Saturday.&nbsp;

As of Friday (Oct 13) afternoon, the ministry reported “nine martyrs by occupation (Israeli) bullets in the West Bank” and some 130 wounded across multiple locations, some critically, according to AFP.&nbsp;

The news agency citing the Palestinian health ministry said that out of the nine deaths on Friday, at least three were reported in Tulkarm. A 14-year-old boy was also killed in Beit Furik, near Nablus, sources told AFP.&nbsp;

Deaths were also recorded in Beit Ula, Tammun, Bethlehem and Hebron, said the Palestinian health ministry in separate statements, as per AFP.&nbsp;

<h2>More than 200 people arrested in West Bank: IDF</h2>

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said that they have arrested 220 wanted Palestinians across the West Bank, including 130 affiliated with Hamas since the fighting began on Saturday, according to the Times of Israel.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/middle-east/nine-killed-20-injured-amid-israeli-troops-west-bank-raid-say-palestinians-556313">Nine killed, 20 injured amid Israeli troops' West Bank raid, say Palestinians</a>

On Thursday night, 32 Hamas members were arrested by the IDF, among them senior members detained in the southern West Bank city of Hebron.&nbsp;

There have been multiple reports of clashes erupting between the Israeli army and Palestinians in the West Bank in recent days, particularly since the fighting between Hamas and Israel began.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
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In a seeming spread of violence due to Hamas’ surprise attack on Israel, as many as 44 Palestinians have been killed, since Saturday (Oct 7) according to the Palestinian health ministry, while more than 200 wanted Palestinians have been arrested across the West Bank, said the Israeli army.

In a seeming spread of violence due to Hamas’ surprise attack on Israel, as many as 44 Palestinians have been killed, since Saturday (Oct 7) according to the Palestinian health ministry, while more than 200 wanted Palestinians have been arrested across the West Bank, said the Israeli army. Nine killed in West Bank due to Israeli fire: Palestinian health ministry At least nine Palestinians were killed on Friday (Oct 13) by Israeli fire across several cities and towns in the occupied West Bank during rallies in solidarity with the war-battered Gaza Strip, reported news agency AFP. According to AFP and security officials, clashes erupted in West Bank’s Ramallah, Nablus, Tulkarm, Hebron and other cities and towns nearly a week after Hamas launched a surprise attack against Israel, which later spiralled into an all-out war. So far, Israel has reported the deaths of more than 1,300 people, including army personnel and civilians. Meanwhile, in Gaza, over 1799 Palestinians have been killed, according to the health ministry. ALSO READ | Palestinian killed amid settler violence in West Bank; over 50 injured after clashes with Israeli military The Palestinian health ministry in Gaza has also reported the death of at least 44 Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank since Saturday. As of Friday (Oct 13) afternoon, the ministry reported “nine martyrs by occupation (Israeli) bullets in the West Bank” and some 130 wounded across multiple locations, some critically, according to AFP. The news agency citing the Palestinian health ministry said that out of the nine deaths on Friday, at least three were reported in Tulkarm. A 14-year-old boy was also killed in Beit Furik, near Nablus, sources told AFP. Deaths were also recorded in Beit Ula, Tammun, Bethlehem and Hebron, said the Palestinian health ministry in separate statements, as per AFP. More than 200 people arrested in West Bank: IDF The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said that they have arrested 220 wanted Palestinians across the West Bank, including 130 affiliated with Hamas since the fighting began on Saturday, according to the Times of Israel. ALSO READ | Nine killed, 20 injured amid Israeli troops' West Bank raid, say Palestinians On Thursday night, 32 Hamas members were arrested by the IDF, among them senior members detained in the southern West Bank city of Hebron. There have been multiple reports of clashes erupting between the Israeli army and Palestinians in the West Bank in recent days, particularly since the fighting between Hamas and Israel began. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Israel-Hamas war: At least 44 Palestinians killed in West Bank, more than 200 arrested, since Saturday

An Israeli embassy staff was hospitalised after he was stabbed in Beijing in an alleged terror attack on Friday (Oct 13), stated Israel’s foreign ministry. The employee has been reported to be in stable condition.&nbsp;

"An Israeli employee at the Israeli embassy in Beijing was attacked today (not in the embassy area)," said the Israeli embassy in a statement, adding that the diplomat was not attacked in the embassy compound in the Chinese capital city.&nbsp;

The motive behind the stabbing, which did not take place inside the embassy, is being investigated, said the ministry.&nbsp;

"The employee is being treated in hospital and his condition is stable. The background of the attack is being investigated," the statement said. &nbsp;

Across the world, Israelis and Jews have been advised to remain on alert on Friday (Oct 13) after Hamas termed it a “day of rage.”&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-historical-conflict-between-israel-palestine-amid-unprovoked-escalation-by-hamas-644471">Revisiting Israel-Palestine historical conflict amid new escalation by Hamas</a>

<h2>Video footage of stabbing circulates on social media</h2>

In the video footage, which is getting circulated on social media, a man can be seen getting stabbed several times in the chest and shoulder by an assailant, who was carrying a knife.&nbsp;

The victim was then seen falling on the ground as the attacker fled the scene.

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Big Breaking🚨 
 
Video of an Israeli embassy diplomat being attacked on the streets of Beijing. Graphic violence, be cautious when viewing. From the video, it appears that the assailant is not Chinese but also does not have the typical appearance of an Arab person.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/China?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#China</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Israel?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Israel</a> <a href="https://t.co/7h8m0R3tls">https://t.co/7h8m0R3tls</a> <a href="https://t.co/Y0qEGCMaby">pic.twitter.com/Y0qEGCMaby</a>
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Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of photos and videos shared on social media.

In another video clip, the witnesses were seen telling police that the person who was attacked appeared to be non-Chinese, the South China Morning Post reported.&nbsp;

The victim informed the police officials that he was from the Israeli embassy and was rushed to the hospital in a police car.&nbsp;

A witness present at the scene said that the attack happened at around 2:20 pm local time. She stated that she heard someone screaming and then added that a bloodied man in a plain shirt was resting against a car.

Watch |&nbsp;Israel-Palestine crisis has region 'at a tipping point': UN Chief

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After a few minutes, the police arrived at the scene and an ambulance followed. The crime scene was inspected by the police and they took photographs and visited the surrounding shops for CCTV footage before leaving the site of the incident about an hour later.

The attack took place amid the escalating Israel-Hamas war as the Israeli foreign ministry website, in a statement, had warned that Hamas had called on "all of its supporters around the world to hold a 'Day of Rage'" on Friday to "attack Israelis and Jews".&nbsp;

"It is reasonable to assume that there will be protest events in various countries that are liable to turn violent," the statement added.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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An Israeli embassy staff was hospitalised after he was stabbed in Beijing in an alleged terror attack on Friday (Oct 13), stated Israel’s foreign ministry. The employee has been reported to be in stable condition.

An Israeli embassy staff was hospitalised after he was stabbed in Beijing in an alleged terror attack on Friday (Oct 13), stated Israel’s foreign ministry. The employee has been reported to be in stable condition. "An Israeli employee at the Israeli embassy in Beijing was attacked today (not in the embassy area)," said the Israeli embassy in a statement, adding that the diplomat was not attacked in the embassy compound in the Chinese capital city. The motive behind the stabbing, which did not take place inside the embassy, is being investigated, said the ministry. "The employee is being treated in hospital and his condition is stable. The background of the attack is being investigated," the statement said. Across the world, Israelis and Jews have been advised to remain on alert on Friday (Oct 13) after Hamas termed it a “day of rage.” Also read: Revisiting Israel-Palestine historical conflict amid new escalation by Hamas Video footage of stabbing circulates on social media In the video footage, which is getting circulated on social media, a man can be seen getting stabbed several times in the chest and shoulder by an assailant, who was carrying a knife. The victim was then seen falling on the ground as the attacker fled the scene. Big Breaking🚨 Video of an Israeli embassy diplomat being attacked on the streets of Beijing. Graphic violence, be cautious when viewing. From the video, it appears that the assailant is not Chinese but also does not have the typical appearance of an Arab person.#China #Israel https://t.co/7h8m0R3tls pic.twitter.com/Y0qEGCMaby — QuickUpdate (@BigBreakingWire) October 13, 2023 × Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of photos and videos shared on social media. In another video clip, the witnesses were seen telling police that the person who was attacked appeared to be non-Chinese, the South China Morning Post reported. The victim informed the police officials that he was from the Israeli embassy and was rushed to the hospital in a police car. A witness present at the scene said that the attack happened at around 2:20 pm local time. She stated that she heard someone screaming and then added that a bloodied man in a plain shirt was resting against a car. Watch | Israel-Palestine crisis has region 'at a tipping point': UN Chief After a few minutes, the police arrived at the scene and an ambulance followed. The crime scene was inspected by the police and they took photographs and visited the surrounding shops for CCTV footage before leaving the site of the incident about an hour later. The attack took place amid the escalating Israel-Hamas war as the Israeli foreign ministry website, in a statement, had warned that Hamas had called on "all of its supporters around the world to hold a 'Day of Rage'" on Friday to "attack Israelis and Jews". "It is reasonable to assume that there will be protest events in various countries that are liable to turn violent," the statement added. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Israel-Hamas war: Israeli embassy staffer stabbed in Beijing in suspected terror attack

Israeli military on Friday (Oct 13) asked more than one million Palestinian civilians living in Gaza City to relocate south in the next 24 hours, as it gathered tanks near the Gaza Strip before an expected ground invasion.

Israel has taken the vow to wipe out the Hamas militant group which carried out the deadly attacks on Tel Aviv on Saturday (Oct 7). However, if Israel carries out a ground invasion of Gaza, it can pose a serious risk to the numerous hostages who were kidnapped by the Hamas in the attack.&nbsp;

"Now is a time for war," stated Israel's Defence Minister Yoav Gallant on Thursday (Oct 12) as the Gaza Strip continued to be pounded by Israeli warplanes, days after Hamas carried out its deadliest attack in the history of the Jewish state.&nbsp;

The Israeli military stated that in the coming days, they will "significantly" operate in Gaza City and the civilians will be able to return back to their homes only after another announcement is made.

<h2>UN warns of 'devastating humanitarian consequences'</h2>

The United Nations said it was impossible for such a displacement to take place "without devastating humanitarian consequences."

"The United Nations strongly appeals for any such order, if confirmed, to be rescinded avoiding what could transform what is already a tragedy into a calamitous situation," said spokesman Stephane Dujarric, in a statement.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/what-are-white-phosphorus-bombs-that-israel-reportedly-launched-in-gaza-it-is-legal-to-use-645106">What are white phosphorus bombs that Israel reportedly used in Gaza? Is it illegal?</a>

Israel's ambassador to the UN Gilad Erdan described as "shameful" the response of the UN to the early warning issued by Israel to the residents of Gaza.

A Hamas official stated that the warning related to Gaza City was "fake propaganda" and appealed to citizens not to fall for it.

“The occupation [a term Hamas uses for Israel] is attempting to spread and circulate false propaganda through various means, aiming to create confusion among citizens and undermine the stability of our internal front,” said Hamas, in&nbsp;the statement.

<h2>Gaza under siege, delivery of basic necessities, electricity halted&nbsp;</h2>

After the sudden and brutal attack by Hamas, 2.3 million Gazans were placed by Israel under complete seige.

Earlier, Israel's Defence Minister Yoav Gallant had said in a video message,&nbsp; "We are putting a complete siege on Gaza... No electricity, no food, no water, no gas -- it's all closed."

WATCH |&nbsp;Israel-Palestine war | Are the tunnels keeping Israel from launching ground attack?

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Now in the latest steps, Israel stopped deliveries of electricity and basic necessities to 2.3 million people of Gaza and prevented entry of any supplies from Egypt.&nbsp;

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) stated that the fuel powering emergency generators are likely to run out in hours in the hospitals in Gaza. The UN World Food Programme (WFP) added that food and fresh water have been running dangerously low.

"The human misery caused by this escalation is abhorrent, and I implore the sides to reduce the suffering of civilians," stated ICRC regional director Fabrizio Carboni.&nbsp;

Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Israeli military on Friday (Oct 13) asked more than one million Palestinian civilians living in Gaza City to relocate south in the next 24 hours, as it gathered tanks near the Gaza Strip before an expected ground invasion.

Israeli military on Friday (Oct 13) asked more than one million Palestinian civilians living in Gaza City to relocate south in the next 24 hours, as it gathered tanks near the Gaza Strip before an expected ground invasion. Israel has taken the vow to wipe out the Hamas militant group which carried out the deadly attacks on Tel Aviv on Saturday (Oct 7). However, if Israel carries out a ground invasion of Gaza, it can pose a serious risk to the numerous hostages who were kidnapped by the Hamas in the attack. "Now is a time for war," stated Israel's Defence Minister Yoav Gallant on Thursday (Oct 12) as the Gaza Strip continued to be pounded by Israeli warplanes, days after Hamas carried out its deadliest attack in the history of the Jewish state. The Israeli military stated that in the coming days, they will "significantly" operate in Gaza City and the civilians will be able to return back to their homes only after another announcement is made. UN warns of 'devastating humanitarian consequences' The United Nations said it was impossible for such a displacement to take place "without devastating humanitarian consequences." "The United Nations strongly appeals for any such order, if confirmed, to be rescinded avoiding what could transform what is already a tragedy into a calamitous situation," said spokesman Stephane Dujarric, in a statement. Also read: What are white phosphorus bombs that Israel reportedly used in Gaza? Is it illegal? Israel's ambassador to the UN Gilad Erdan described as "shameful" the response of the UN to the early warning issued by Israel to the residents of Gaza. A Hamas official stated that the warning related to Gaza City was "fake propaganda" and appealed to citizens not to fall for it. “The occupation [a term Hamas uses for Israel] is attempting to spread and circulate false propaganda through various means, aiming to create confusion among citizens and undermine the stability of our internal front,” said Hamas, in the statement. Gaza under siege, delivery of basic necessities, electricity halted After the sudden and brutal attack by Hamas, 2.3 million Gazans were placed by Israel under complete seige. Earlier, Israel's Defence Minister Yoav Gallant had said in a video message, "We are putting a complete siege on Gaza... No electricity, no food, no water, no gas -- it's all closed." WATCH | Israel-Palestine war | Are the tunnels keeping Israel from launching ground attack? Now in the latest steps, Israel stopped deliveries of electricity and basic necessities to 2.3 million people of Gaza and prevented entry of any supplies from Egypt. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) stated that the fuel powering emergency generators are likely to run out in hours in the hospitals in Gaza. The UN World Food Programme (WFP) added that food and fresh water have been running dangerously low. "The human misery caused by this escalation is abhorrent, and I implore the sides to reduce the suffering of civilians," stated ICRC regional director Fabrizio Carboni. Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Israel vs Hamas war: 1.1 million Palestinians told to vacate Gaza City in 24 hours, Hamas rejects order

The European Union's industry chief Thierry Breton&nbsp;on Wednesday (Oct 11)&nbsp;warned tech mogul Mark Zuckerberg about a surge in&nbsp;disinformation on his platform and asked the Meta chief to respond within 24 hours with the measures his organisation will take to counter the spread amid the Israel-Gaza conflict.

"I would ask you to be very vigilant to ensure strict compliance with the DSA rules on terms of service, on the requirement of timely, diligent and objective action following notices of illegal content in the EU, and on the need for proportionate and effective mitigation measures," Breton told Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg in a letter.

The letter from EU's top tech regulator followed a similar one he sent Tuesday to billionaire Elon Musk about content on X.

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The <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DSA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DSA</a> is here to protect free speech against arbitrary decisions, and at the same time protect our citizens &amp; democracies. 
 
My requests to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Meta?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Meta</a>’s Mark Zuckerberg following the terrorist attacks by Hamas against Israel — and on tackling disinformation in elections in the EU ⤵️ <a href="https://t.co/RnetUriRJX">pic.twitter.com/RnetUriRJX</a>
— Thierry Breton (@ThierryBreton) <a href="https://twitter.com/ThierryBreton/status/1712126600873931150?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 11, 2023</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Breton warned Musk, on Tuesday (Oct 10), &nbsp;that his social media platform X is spreading "illegal content and disinformation".&nbsp;

"Following the terrorist attacks carried out by Hamas against Israel, we have indications that your platform is being used to disseminate illegal content and disinformation in the EU," Breton wrote in the letter.

He reminded Musk that EU law sets tough rules on moderating content, "especially when it comes to violent and terrorist content that appears to circulate on your platform".

He then asked X to respond to his complaint within 24 hours and also get in touch with Europol, the EU police coordinating agency.&nbsp;

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Following the terrorist attacks by Hamas against 🇮🇱, we have indications of X/Twitter being used to disseminate illegal content &amp; disinformation in the EU. 
 
Urgent letter to <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@elonmusk</a> on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DSA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DSA</a> obligations ⤵️ <a href="https://t.co/avMm1LHq54">pic.twitter.com/avMm1LHq54</a>
— Thierry Breton (@ThierryBreton) <a href="https://twitter.com/ThierryBreton/status/1711808891757944866?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 10, 2023</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

"Given the urgency, I also expect you to be in contact with the relevant law enforcement authorities and Europol, and ensure that you respond promptly to their requests," Breton wrote.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-to-launch-operation-ajay-for-stranded-nationals-in-israel-vows-safety-645563">India launches 'Operation Ajay' for stranded nationals in Israel, vows safety</a>

"I urge you to ensure a prompt, accurate and complete response to this request within the next 24 hours," he said.

"We will include your answer in our assessment file on your compliance with the DSA," Breton said, referring to the new EU Digital Services Act which regulates online platforms.&nbsp;

"I remind you that following the opening of a potential investigation and a finding of non-compliance, penalties can be imposed," it said.

<h2>Breton and Musk's online duel</h2>

Breton's warning prompted an online clash between him and Musk where the SpaceX founder publicly asked the EU commissioner to "please list the violations you allude to on X", and said the platform's policy was that "everything was open source and transparent, an approach that I know the EU supports".

To which Breton responded that it was up to Musk to "demonstrate that you walk the talk" and added that his team was standing by to "enforce rigorously" DSA compliance.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The European Union's industry chief Thierry Breton on Wednesday (Oct 11) warned tech mogul Mark Zuckerberg about a surge in disinformation on his platform and asked the Meta chief to respond within 24 hours with the measures his organisation will take to counter the spread amid the Israel-Gaza conflict.

The European Union's industry chief Thierry Breton on Wednesday (Oct 11) warned tech mogul Mark Zuckerberg about a surge in disinformation on his platform and asked the Meta chief to respond within 24 hours with the measures his organisation will take to counter the spread amid the Israel-Gaza conflict. "I would ask you to be very vigilant to ensure strict compliance with the DSA rules on terms of service, on the requirement of timely, diligent and objective action following notices of illegal content in the EU, and on the need for proportionate and effective mitigation measures," Breton told Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg in a letter. The letter from EU's top tech regulator followed a similar one he sent Tuesday to billionaire Elon Musk about content on X. The #DSA is here to protect free speech against arbitrary decisions, and at the same time protect our citizens & democracies. My requests to #Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg following the terrorist attacks by Hamas against Israel — and on tackling disinformation in elections in the EU ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/RnetUriRJX — Thierry Breton (@ThierryBreton) October 11, 2023 × Breton warned Musk, on Tuesday (Oct 10), that his social media platform X is spreading "illegal content and disinformation". "Following the terrorist attacks carried out by Hamas against Israel, we have indications that your platform is being used to disseminate illegal content and disinformation in the EU," Breton wrote in the letter. He reminded Musk that EU law sets tough rules on moderating content, "especially when it comes to violent and terrorist content that appears to circulate on your platform". He then asked X to respond to his complaint within 24 hours and also get in touch with Europol, the EU police coordinating agency. Following the terrorist attacks by Hamas against 🇮🇱, we have indications of X/Twitter being used to disseminate illegal content & disinformation in the EU. Urgent letter to @elonmusk on #DSA obligations ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/avMm1LHq54 — Thierry Breton (@ThierryBreton) October 10, 2023 × "Given the urgency, I also expect you to be in contact with the relevant law enforcement authorities and Europol, and ensure that you respond promptly to their requests," Breton wrote. Also read: India launches 'Operation Ajay' for stranded nationals in Israel, vows safety "I urge you to ensure a prompt, accurate and complete response to this request within the next 24 hours," he said. "We will include your answer in our assessment file on your compliance with the DSA," Breton said, referring to the new EU Digital Services Act which regulates online platforms. "I remind you that following the opening of a potential investigation and a finding of non-compliance, penalties can be imposed," it said. Breton and Musk's online duel Breton's warning prompted an online clash between him and Musk where the SpaceX founder publicly asked the EU commissioner to "please list the violations you allude to on X", and said the platform's policy was that "everything was open source and transparent, an approach that I know the EU supports". To which Breton responded that it was up to Musk to "demonstrate that you walk the talk" and added that his team was standing by to "enforce rigorously" DSA compliance. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

EU warns Zuckerberg to tackle spread of disinformation amid Israel-Hamas conflict

A coalition of ruling Israeli parties led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has agreed to form an emergency government in alliance with the opposition leaders in the wake of the Hamas terror attack.

The announcement was made on Tuesday (Oct 10) by Netanyahu’s Likud Party.

Among the opposition leaders who have agreed in principle to join the unit government are former prime minister Yair Lapid and former defence minister Benny Gantz.

"An emergency unity government now!" Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who represents a hard right party close to the West Bank Jewish settler movement, posted on social media.

A spokesperson for Gantz's National Unity party said she was optimistic there would be "good news" but did not elaborate on the terms, Reuters news agency reported.

<h2>Narrow and professional govt</h2>

Reuters quoting a source close to Lapid Party reported that the role of the emergency government would be "narrow and professional."

The development comes days after opposition leader Lapid in a statement on Saturday, just hours after the Hamas attack, said that he informed PM Netanyahu about his willingness to establish “a professional, limited emergency government, which will manage the difficult, complex and protracted campaign before us."

The agreement by political parties that are normally deeply hostile to one another underlines the scale of the crisis that has unfolded following the thousands of killings by Hamas gunmen over the weekend and the capture of more than 100 others.

<h2>Israel identifies hostages </h2>

According to reports, Israel has identified most of the hostages abducted by Hamas and has started informing their families.

Around 100 families were notified on Tuesday, with the officers from the Israel Defence Forces merely confirming what they already knew from recognising relatives&nbsp;in harrowing footage of people. The videos were filmed by Hamas and shared on social media and through WhatsApp groups, the Times of Israel newspaper reported citing Israeli Army Radio.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hamas-terrorist-kills-elderly-woman-family-finds-video-of-ghastly-act-on-facebook-645199">Hamas terrorist kills elderly woman, family finds video of ghastly act on Facebook</a>

Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations, Gilad Erdan, said the total number of hostages seized was between 100 and 150.

More than 1,000 Israelis have died in the Hamas terror attacks, while at least 900 in Gaza have lost their lives.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hamas-is-worse-than-isis-biden-declares-us-support-for-israel-645119">Israel-Hamas war: Biden confirms 14 Americans dead, many held hostage</a>

On Monday, Israel&nbsp;said it would cut off electricity, food, fuel and water in&nbsp;a “complete siege”&nbsp;of the tightly packed strip of 2.3 million people.

(With inputs from agencies)

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A coalition of ruling Israeli parties led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has agreed to form an emergency government in alliance with the opposition leaders in the wake of the Hamas terror attack.

A coalition of ruling Israeli parties led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has agreed to form an emergency government in alliance with the opposition leaders in the wake of the Hamas terror attack. The announcement was made on Tuesday (Oct 10) by Netanyahu’s Likud Party. Among the opposition leaders who have agreed in principle to join the unit government are former prime minister Yair Lapid and former defence minister Benny Gantz. "An emergency unity government now!" Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who represents a hard right party close to the West Bank Jewish settler movement, posted on social media. A spokesperson for Gantz's National Unity party said she was optimistic there would be "good news" but did not elaborate on the terms, Reuters news agency reported. Narrow and professional govt Reuters quoting a source close to Lapid Party reported that the role of the emergency government would be "narrow and professional." The development comes days after opposition leader Lapid in a statement on Saturday, just hours after the Hamas attack, said that he informed PM Netanyahu about his willingness to establish “a professional, limited emergency government, which will manage the difficult, complex and protracted campaign before us." The agreement by political parties that are normally deeply hostile to one another underlines the scale of the crisis that has unfolded following the thousands of killings by Hamas gunmen over the weekend and the capture of more than 100 others. Israel identifies hostages According to reports, Israel has identified most of the hostages abducted by Hamas and has started informing their families. Around 100 families were notified on Tuesday, with the officers from the Israel Defence Forces merely confirming what they already knew from recognising relatives in harrowing footage of people. The videos were filmed by Hamas and shared on social media and through WhatsApp groups, the Times of Israel newspaper reported citing Israeli Army Radio. Also read | Hamas terrorist kills elderly woman, family finds video of ghastly act on Facebook Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations, Gilad Erdan, said the total number of hostages seized was between 100 and 150. More than 1,000 Israelis have died in the Hamas terror attacks, while at least 900 in Gaza have lost their lives. Also read | Israel-Hamas war: Biden confirms 14 Americans dead, many held hostage On Monday, Israel said it would cut off electricity, food, fuel and water in a “complete siege” of the tightly packed strip of 2.3 million people. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Israel forms unity govt following Hamas terror attack

Even as questions are being raised over Israel’s apparent intelligence failure, a senior Egyptian intelligence officer has claimed that the country’s security agencies downplayed the repeated “warnings” Cairo had issued over Hamas’s potential strike.

The official, whose identity has not been revealed, told AP news agency that the Israeli officials focused on the West Bank and ignored the threat that “something big” was being planned from Gaza.

The majority of the supporters of Benjamin Netanyahu's government comprise Jewish settlers in the West Bank. They had demanded the government to crack down on rising tensions in the region for the last 18 months.

Egypt, which has historically acted as a mediator between Israel and Hamas, had communicated to Israel about the threat multiple times, the official claimed, adding “but they underestimated”.

“We have warned them an explosion of the situation is coming, and very soon, and it would be big. But they underestimated such warnings,” the unnamed official was quoted as saying.

<h2>Israel responds&nbsp;</h2>

However, Israel’s Prime Minister's Office categorically dismissed the official’s claims as “totally fake news”.

“The report to the effect that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu received a message in advance from Egypt is absolutely false,” the prime minister’s office tweeted.

“No message in advance has arrived from Egypt and the Prime Minister has neither spoken, nor met, with the head of Egyptian intelligence since the formation of the government, neither directly nor indirectly.”

This development comes at a time when Israeli security agencies, who were caught off guard by attacks, are scrambling to crack down on the Hamas terror group.

<h2>Media seeks answers&nbsp;</h2>

Several local media have also raised questions about security agencies'&nbsp;apparent failure in pre-empting the terror attacks.

Israeli newspaper Haaretz reported that neither the Israeli Defence Force nor the Israel Security Agency — commonly known as the Shin Bet — issued any warnings that the terrorist organisation was about to launch the assault.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-at-war-hamas-threatens-to-televise-the-killing-of-captive-israelis-644671">Hamas slammed for threatening to televise the killing of captive Israelis</a>

Last week, senior IDF and defence ministry officials publicly said that Hamas was not particularly interested in open conflict, the outlet reported.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/defence-shares-soar-amid-israel-hamas-conflict-644714">Defence shares soar amid Israel-Hamas conflict</a>

“This is a major failure,” said Yaakov Amidror, a former national security adviser to&nbsp;Netanyahu.

“This operation actually proves that the (Israeli intelligence) abilities in Gaza were no good.”

(With inputs from agencies)

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Even as questions are being raised over Israel’s apparent intelligence failure, a senior Egyptian intelligence officer has claimed that the country’s security agencies downplayed the repeated “warnings” Cairo had issued over Hamas’s potential strike.

Even as questions are being raised over Israel’s apparent intelligence failure, a senior Egyptian intelligence officer has claimed that the country’s security agencies downplayed the repeated “warnings” Cairo had issued over Hamas’s potential strike. The official, whose identity has not been revealed, told AP news agency that the Israeli officials focused on the West Bank and ignored the threat that “something big” was being planned from Gaza. The majority of the supporters of Benjamin Netanyahu's government comprise Jewish settlers in the West Bank. They had demanded the government to crack down on rising tensions in the region for the last 18 months. Egypt, which has historically acted as a mediator between Israel and Hamas, had communicated to Israel about the threat multiple times, the official claimed, adding “but they underestimated”. “We have warned them an explosion of the situation is coming, and very soon, and it would be big. But they underestimated such warnings,” the unnamed official was quoted as saying. Israel responds However, Israel’s Prime Minister's Office categorically dismissed the official’s claims as “totally fake news”. “The report to the effect that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu received a message in advance from Egypt is absolutely false,” the prime minister’s office tweeted. “No message in advance has arrived from Egypt and the Prime Minister has neither spoken, nor met, with the head of Egyptian intelligence since the formation of the government, neither directly nor indirectly.” This development comes at a time when Israeli security agencies, who were caught off guard by attacks, are scrambling to crack down on the Hamas terror group. Media seeks answers Several local media have also raised questions about security agencies' apparent failure in pre-empting the terror attacks. Israeli newspaper Haaretz reported that neither the Israeli Defence Force nor the Israel Security Agency — commonly known as the Shin Bet — issued any warnings that the terrorist organisation was about to launch the assault. Also read | Hamas slammed for threatening to televise the killing of captive Israelis Last week, senior IDF and defence ministry officials publicly said that Hamas was not particularly interested in open conflict, the outlet reported. Also read | Defence shares soar amid Israel-Hamas conflict “This is a major failure,” said Yaakov Amidror, a former national security adviser to Netanyahu. “This operation actually proves that the (Israeli intelligence) abilities in Gaza were no good.” (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Egypt intelligence official claims Israel ignored its warning on Hamas attack

Russian President Vladimir Putin&nbsp;on Tuesday (Oct 10)&nbsp;said the upsurge of violence and tensions between Israel and Gaza showed the failure of the United States' Middle-East policy.

He also stated that Washington sought to monopolise the international efforts aimed at forging peace in the region, further condemning the US for not seeking compromises acceptable to both sides.

"I think that many people will agree with me that this is a vivid example of the failure of United States policy in the Middle East," Putin told visiting Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani.

"The US tried to monopolise the solution (of the crisis between Israel and Palestinians), but, unfortunately, was not concerned with finding compromises acceptable to both sides, but, on the contrary, promoted its own ideas about how it should be done and put both sides under pressure. That's both sides, at one or another," he said.

<h2>Putin calls for creation of Palestinian state</h2>

Putin accused the West of not taking into consideration the fundamental interests of the Palestinian people.

He said that it was necessary to "implement the decisions of the UN Security Council on the creation of an independent sovereign Palestinian state."

A day earlier, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov released a statement saying that the creation of a Palestinian state was the "most reliable" solution for peace in Israel.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iranian-supreme-leader-ayatollah-ali-khamenei-denies-tehrans-involvement-in-hamas-attack-on-israel-644974">Iranian Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei denies Tehran's involvement in Hamas attack on Israel</a>

"Creation of a Palestinian state that would live side by side with Israel.. is the most reliable path to solve (the conflict). We cannot agree with those who say that security can only be ensured through a fight with terrorism," he said.

<h2>'High risk of third party entering conflict', says Kremlin</h2>

After the United States moved warships closer to its ally&nbsp;Israel in a show of support, the Kremlin remarked that there was a "high risk" of a third party entering the conflict between Tel Aviv and Hamas.&nbsp;

"The risk of third forces becoming involved in this conflict is high," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov was quoted as saying by the TASS news agency.&nbsp;

"It is very important to find ways as soon as possible to move towards some kind of negotiation process in order to reduce this escalation and move away from a military solution," he said.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday (Oct 10) said the upsurge of violence and tensions between Israel and Gaza showed the failure of the United States' Middle-East policy.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday (Oct 10) said the upsurge of violence and tensions between Israel and Gaza showed the failure of the United States' Middle-East policy. He also stated that Washington sought to monopolise the international efforts aimed at forging peace in the region, further condemning the US for not seeking compromises acceptable to both sides. "I think that many people will agree with me that this is a vivid example of the failure of United States policy in the Middle East," Putin told visiting Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani. "The US tried to monopolise the solution (of the crisis between Israel and Palestinians), but, unfortunately, was not concerned with finding compromises acceptable to both sides, but, on the contrary, promoted its own ideas about how it should be done and put both sides under pressure. That's both sides, at one or another," he said. Putin calls for creation of Palestinian state Putin accused the West of not taking into consideration the fundamental interests of the Palestinian people. He said that it was necessary to "implement the decisions of the UN Security Council on the creation of an independent sovereign Palestinian state." A day earlier, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov released a statement saying that the creation of a Palestinian state was the "most reliable" solution for peace in Israel. Also read: Iranian Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei denies Tehran's involvement in Hamas attack on Israel "Creation of a Palestinian state that would live side by side with Israel.. is the most reliable path to solve (the conflict). We cannot agree with those who say that security can only be ensured through a fight with terrorism," he said. 'High risk of third party entering conflict', says Kremlin After the United States moved warships closer to its ally Israel in a show of support, the Kremlin remarked that there was a "high risk" of a third party entering the conflict between Tel Aviv and Hamas. "The risk of third forces becoming involved in this conflict is high," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov was quoted as saying by the TASS news agency. "It is very important to find ways as soon as possible to move towards some kind of negotiation process in order to reduce this escalation and move away from a military solution," he said. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Russian President Vladimir Putin says Israel-Gaza conflict 'an example' of US failure in Middle East

Major international air carriers have suspended or cancelled flight services in and out of the Israeli city of Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion airport after Hamas launched its surprise attack over the weekend and said that they are waiting for safety conditions to improve.&nbsp;

According to a report by flight tracking website, Flightradar24, about 50 per cent of the flights scheduled for Tel Aviv did not operate on Sunday (Oct 8) and one-third of the flights were cancelled on Monday as of 6:41 pm (local time).&nbsp;

<h2>What have the airlines said?</h2>

Indian air carrier Air India said that it would suspend the flights operating to and from Tel Aviv till at least October 14, “for the safety of our passengers and crew,” said the airline’s spokesperson, in a statement.&nbsp;

It added that they will provide all possible support to passengers who have confirmed bookings which have now been cancelled.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, American air carriers United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and American Airlines, on Sunday, suspended direct flights to Israel following an advisory by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) urging airlines to use caution.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/change-the-middle-east-israel-pms-remarks-signals-future-of-israel-hamas-war-644643">'Change the Middle East': Israel PM's remarks signal future of Israel-Hamas war</a>

Additionally, multiple European airlines including Ryanair and Norwegian Air have cancelled their flights from Copenhagen and Stockholm to Tel Aviv for this week.&nbsp;

Air France, Lufthansa, and Emirates have also suspended direct flights to the international airport in Tel Aviv.&nbsp;

Britain’s easyJet also halted flights to Tel Aviv on Sunday and Monday and said that it would adjust timings over the next few days.&nbsp;

Hungarian budget carrier Wizz Air has cancelled all flights to and from Tel Aviv until further notice.

Virgin Atlantic said it would continue to run some flights in and out of Tel Aviv but customers could rebook or request a refund until October 15.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/volodymyr-zelensky-compares-hamas-to-russia-moscow-suggests-most-reliable-solution-to-israel-conflict-644534">Volodymyr Zelensky compares Hamas to Russia; Moscow suggests 'most reliable' solution to Israel conflict</a>

Other airlines suspending flights included Aegean, Swiss, Austrian Airlines, and Air Canada.

<h2>What about Israel’s national carrier?</h2>

Israel’s flag carrier El Al being the exception, on Sunday said that it would maintain its Tel Aviv flights for now while some flights operated by foreign partners had been cancelled.&nbsp;

The airline said that it was operating “in accordance with the instructions of the Israeli security forces,” and all flights are now departing only from one terminal at the Ben Gurion airport.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-calls-up-for-300000-army-reservists-as-its-war-with-hamas-rages-on-644572">Israel calls up for 300,000 army reservists as its war with Hamas rages on</a> 
 
FAA, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency and Israel’s aviation authority urged airlines to use caution while operating in the region’s airspace. Meanwhile, Israeli airport authority said Ben Gurion continued to handle arrivals and departures, as of Monday (Oct 9).&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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Major international air carriers have suspended or cancelled flight services in and out of the Israeli city of Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion airport after Hamas launched its surprise attack over the weekend and said that they are waiting for safety conditions to improve.

Major international air carriers have suspended or cancelled flight services in and out of the Israeli city of Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion airport after Hamas launched its surprise attack over the weekend and said that they are waiting for safety conditions to improve. According to a report by flight tracking website, Flightradar24, about 50 per cent of the flights scheduled for Tel Aviv did not operate on Sunday (Oct 8) and one-third of the flights were cancelled on Monday as of 6:41 pm (local time). What have the airlines said? Indian air carrier Air India said that it would suspend the flights operating to and from Tel Aviv till at least October 14, “for the safety of our passengers and crew,” said the airline’s spokesperson, in a statement. It added that they will provide all possible support to passengers who have confirmed bookings which have now been cancelled. Meanwhile, American air carriers United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and American Airlines, on Sunday, suspended direct flights to Israel following an advisory by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) urging airlines to use caution. ALSO READ | 'Change the Middle East': Israel PM's remarks signal future of Israel-Hamas war Additionally, multiple European airlines including Ryanair and Norwegian Air have cancelled their flights from Copenhagen and Stockholm to Tel Aviv for this week. Air France, Lufthansa, and Emirates have also suspended direct flights to the international airport in Tel Aviv. Britain’s easyJet also halted flights to Tel Aviv on Sunday and Monday and said that it would adjust timings over the next few days. Hungarian budget carrier Wizz Air has cancelled all flights to and from Tel Aviv until further notice. Virgin Atlantic said it would continue to run some flights in and out of Tel Aviv but customers could rebook or request a refund until October 15. ALSO READ | Volodymyr Zelensky compares Hamas to Russia; Moscow suggests 'most reliable' solution to Israel conflict Other airlines suspending flights included Aegean, Swiss, Austrian Airlines, and Air Canada. What about Israel’s national carrier? Israel’s flag carrier El Al being the exception, on Sunday said that it would maintain its Tel Aviv flights for now while some flights operated by foreign partners had been cancelled. The airline said that it was operating “in accordance with the instructions of the Israeli security forces,” and all flights are now departing only from one terminal at the Ben Gurion airport. ALSO READ | Israel calls up for 300,000 army reservists as its war with Hamas rages on FAA, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency and Israel’s aviation authority urged airlines to use caution while operating in the region’s airspace. Meanwhile, Israeli airport authority said Ben Gurion continued to handle arrivals and departures, as of Monday (Oct 9). (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Israel-Hamas war: Several airlines suspend flights to Tel Aviv amid attack on Israel

Iranian Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei&nbsp;on Tuesday (Oct 10), denied Tehran's involvement in the surprise assault launched by Hamas on Israel over the weekend, but voiced support for the militant group.

In his first televised speech since the attack, the leader said,&nbsp;"The supporters of the Zionist regime (Israel) and some people in the usurping regime (a reference to USA) have been spreading rumours over the past two or three days, including that Islamic Iran was behind this action. They are wrong."

"This destructive earthquake (Hamas' attack) has destroyed some critical structures (in Israel) which will not be repaired easily ... The Zionist regime's own actions are to blame for this disaster," Khamenei said at a military academy.

"Of course, we defend Palestine, we defend the struggles."

“We kiss the foreheads and arms of the resourceful and intelligent designers [of the operation] and the Palestinian youth,” he added.

He also urged "the whole Islamic world" to support the Palestinians.

Khamenei noted that while everyone spoke of the "defeat", he would emphasise the “irrevocability” of it.

Khamenei said Israel has suffered an "irreparable failure" on both "military and intelligence" fronts.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/everyone-died-at-point-blank-israeli-survivor-recounts-horror-of-music-fest-near-gaza-644912">'Everyone died at point blank': Israeli survivor recounts horror of music fest attack by Hamas near Gaza</a>

"Everyone has spoken of the failure, I put the emphasis on its irreparability," he said.

<h2>'Normalising Israel ties is a losing bet', says Khamenei</h2>

Khamenei on Tuesday also warned countries in West Asia seeking to normalise ties with Israel that they "are betting on a losing horse".

"The definite position of the Islamic Republic is that countries that make the gamble of normalisation with Israel will lose. They are betting on a losing horse," Khamenei said.

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in response to Khamenei's remarks that Iran's efforts to stop countries in the region from forging ties with Israel will fail, citing agreements it signed with Arab nations in 2020.

"Just as Iran hasn't prevented us from achieving the Abraham Accords, Iran will also not prevent us from expanding the circle of peace for the benefit of the citizens of Israel, the people of the region and all of humanity," he said.

<h2>'Proud operation'</h2>

Earlier, soon after the Hamas offensive&nbsp;on Saturday (Oct 7), Khamenei's senior adviser hailed it as a "proud operation".

"We support the proud Operation Al-Aqsa Flood," Yahya Rahim Safavi said using the codename for the operation announced by Hamas's armed wing, the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades.

"We support this operation, and we are sure that the resistance front also supports this issue," added Safavi, a Revolutionary Guards general, in comments reported by the ISNA news agency.&nbsp;

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi also backed the attack, calling it an act of self-defence by Palestinians.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
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Iranian Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Tuesday (Oct 10), denied Tehran's involvement in the surprise assault launched by Hamas on Israel over the weekend, but voiced support for the militant group.

Iranian Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Tuesday (Oct 10), denied Tehran's involvement in the surprise assault launched by Hamas on Israel over the weekend, but voiced support for the militant group. In his first televised speech since the attack, the leader said, "The supporters of the Zionist regime (Israel) and some people in the usurping regime (a reference to USA) have been spreading rumours over the past two or three days, including that Islamic Iran was behind this action. They are wrong." "This destructive earthquake (Hamas' attack) has destroyed some critical structures (in Israel) which will not be repaired easily ... The Zionist regime's own actions are to blame for this disaster," Khamenei said at a military academy. "Of course, we defend Palestine, we defend the struggles." “We kiss the foreheads and arms of the resourceful and intelligent designers [of the operation] and the Palestinian youth,” he added. He also urged "the whole Islamic world" to support the Palestinians. Khamenei noted that while everyone spoke of the "defeat", he would emphasise the “irrevocability” of it. Khamenei said Israel has suffered an "irreparable failure" on both "military and intelligence" fronts. Also read: 'Everyone died at point blank': Israeli survivor recounts horror of music fest attack by Hamas near Gaza "Everyone has spoken of the failure, I put the emphasis on its irreparability," he said. 'Normalising Israel ties is a losing bet', says Khamenei Khamenei on Tuesday also warned countries in West Asia seeking to normalise ties with Israel that they "are betting on a losing horse". "The definite position of the Islamic Republic is that countries that make the gamble of normalisation with Israel will lose. They are betting on a losing horse," Khamenei said. Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in response to Khamenei's remarks that Iran's efforts to stop countries in the region from forging ties with Israel will fail, citing agreements it signed with Arab nations in 2020. "Just as Iran hasn't prevented us from achieving the Abraham Accords, Iran will also not prevent us from expanding the circle of peace for the benefit of the citizens of Israel, the people of the region and all of humanity," he said. 'Proud operation' Earlier, soon after the Hamas offensive on Saturday (Oct 7), Khamenei's senior adviser hailed it as a "proud operation". "We support the proud Operation Al-Aqsa Flood," Yahya Rahim Safavi said using the codename for the operation announced by Hamas's armed wing, the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades. "We support this operation, and we are sure that the resistance front also supports this issue," added Safavi, a Revolutionary Guards general, in comments reported by the ISNA news agency. Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi also backed the attack, calling it an act of self-defence by Palestinians. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Iranian Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei denies Tehran's involvement in Hamas attack on Israel

Israel vs Hamas war: A look at firepower in Israeli arsenal

The Palestinian football team has pulled out of a tournament in Malaysia, amid the deteriorating situation between Israel and Hamas terrorists. The team has not flown to the southeast nation where it was supposed to play in the Merdeka Cup friendly tournament in the capital, Kuala Lumpur.

The Palestinian football team has pulled out of a tournament in Malaysia, amid the deteriorating situation between Israel and Hamas terrorists. The team has not flown to the southeast nation where it was supposed to play in the Merdeka Cup friendly tournament in the capital, Kuala Lumpur. As it stands, the opening match scheduled against Tajikistan on Friday (Oct 13) has been cancelled, according to the Malaysian Football Association. "The Palestinian team had to withdraw from participating...because they could not fly to Kuala Lumpur due to the tense situation...at the moment," read the statement by the association. With Palestine out, the tournament will go ahead with only three teams. While Tajikistan will get a bye to the final, Malaysia and India will square up against each other for a spot in the title decider. Notably, the historic tournament is held to celebrate Malaysia's Independence Day. It was set to make a triumphant return after a decade-old hiatus but the situation has thrown a monkey wrench in the plans. With no scope for improvement in the situation in the coming days, the Palestinian team's participation in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers remains in doubt as well. The team is scheduled to play against Australia and Lebanon next month. Additionally, it has also qualified for the regional Asian Cup tournament in Qatar, which begins in January. UEFA postpones matches in Israel Notably, the Palestinian football team deciding to skip footballing events comes a day after UEFA announced it was postponing all matches in Israel, at least for the next fortnight. The European football governing body said Israel's Euro 2024 qualifier against Switzerland on Thursday, scheduled to take place at Tel Aviv's Bloomfield Stadium, is among matches postponed "in light of the current security situation". Apart from the senior team's match, the Under-21 qualifiers involving Israel, Estonia and Germany have been postponed while the Under-17 matches involving Israel, Belgium, Gibraltar and Wales have been pushed as well. Watch | Israel Hamas War | PM Modi: India stands in solidarity with Israel | Israel-Palestine Conflict × What is happening in Israel? More than 1,000 Israelis have been killed after Hamas - a terror outfit operating from the Gaza Strip - launched an ambush attack on Israel on Saturday (Oct 7). A spectacular intelligence failure meant that thousands of crude missiles and rockets were fired that overwhelmed Israel's state-of-the-art Iron Dome missile defence system. Simultaneously, a group of ground fighters of Hamas illegally entered Israel and kidnapped, raped and slaughtered civilians, before retreating. Also read | UEFA postpones matches in Israel amid deteriorating situation Since the attack, the fighting has only escalated as Israel has vowed to return the favour by flattening the Gaza Strip. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has predicted a “long and difficult war”, with reports claiming that Jerusalem may try to take full control of Gaza for the first time since it unilaterally withdrew from the territory in 2005. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Palestine football team pulls out of tournament involving India in Malaysia over Israel-Hamas conflict

The Israeli military on Tuesday (Oct 10) said it is considering Gaza's parliament and civilian ministries as legitimate targets in its fight against the Palestine-based Hamas terror group.

Responding to the media, spokesperson Richard Hecht, as per Associated Press,&nbsp;said, “If there’s a gunman firing rockets from there, it turns into a military target."

He also said that they won’t warn the targets before firing the missiles, adding that Israel’s air force is stretched thin.

The Israeli military’s warning came hours after Hamas threatened to execute civilian hostages without warning and said that the killings broadcast if Israel targets people in Gaza. Around 130 Israelis, including soldiers, have been kept as hostages.

<h2>Hamas threatens ISIS-style executions&nbsp;</h2>

On Monday (Oct 9), Hamas said that Israeli air strikes had killed four of its hostages.

"Every targeting of our people without warning will be met with the execution of one of the civilian hostages," Hamas armed wing, the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades, said in a statement.

Hecht further said that the military has found around 1,500 bodies of Hamas militants in Israeli territory as it said it had largely gained control in the country’s south and “restored full control” over the border on the fourth day of fighting following an unprecedented surprise attack.

Hecht also did not rule out the possibility of more infiltrations in the country.

So far 900 people, including soldiers, have been killed and Palestinian authorities have reported about 700 deaths in Gaza and the West Bank as the fighting rages on.

<h2>Qatar negotiating prisoner swap deal</h2>

Meanwhile, Reuters news agency quoting sources has claimed that Qatar is mediating a prisoner swap deal between Israel and the Hamas terror group, adding that it has been undertaken in coordination with the United States since Saturday night.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-at-war-hamas-threatens-to-televise-the-killing-of-captive-israelis-644671">Hamas slammed for threatening to televise the killing of captive Israelis</a>

The source further said that the negotiations are "moving positively".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/theyre-coming-in-im-behind-the-these-were-the-last-chilling-words-of-now-missing-activist-in-israel-644821">'They're coming in. I'm behind the..': These were the last chilling words of now missing activist in Israel</a>

An Israeli official, however, has denied the report, saying that “there is no negotiation” over the release of hostages, Times of Israel reported.

According to reports, there are around 36 Palestinians kept as hostages by Israel.

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The Israeli military on Tuesday (Oct 10) said it is considering Gaza's parliament and civilian ministries as legitimate targets in its fight against the Palestine-based Hamas terror group.

The Israeli military on Tuesday (Oct 10) said it is considering Gaza's parliament and civilian ministries as legitimate targets in its fight against the Palestine-based Hamas terror group. Responding to the media, spokesperson Richard Hecht, as per Associated Press, said, “If there’s a gunman firing rockets from there, it turns into a military target." He also said that they won’t warn the targets before firing the missiles, adding that Israel’s air force is stretched thin. The Israeli military’s warning came hours after Hamas threatened to execute civilian hostages without warning and said that the killings broadcast if Israel targets people in Gaza. Around 130 Israelis, including soldiers, have been kept as hostages. Hamas threatens ISIS-style executions On Monday (Oct 9), Hamas said that Israeli air strikes had killed four of its hostages. "Every targeting of our people without warning will be met with the execution of one of the civilian hostages," Hamas armed wing, the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades, said in a statement. Hecht further said that the military has found around 1,500 bodies of Hamas militants in Israeli territory as it said it had largely gained control in the country’s south and “restored full control” over the border on the fourth day of fighting following an unprecedented surprise attack. Hecht also did not rule out the possibility of more infiltrations in the country. So far 900 people, including soldiers, have been killed and Palestinian authorities have reported about 700 deaths in Gaza and the West Bank as the fighting rages on. Qatar negotiating prisoner swap deal Meanwhile, Reuters news agency quoting sources has claimed that Qatar is mediating a prisoner swap deal between Israel and the Hamas terror group, adding that it has been undertaken in coordination with the United States since Saturday night. Also read | Hamas slammed for threatening to televise the killing of captive Israelis The source further said that the negotiations are "moving positively". Also read | 'They're coming in. I'm behind the..': These were the last chilling words of now missing activist in Israel An Israeli official, however, has denied the report, saying that “there is no negotiation” over the release of hostages, Times of Israel reported. According to reports, there are around 36 Palestinians kept as hostages by Israel. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Will target Gaza's parliament and ministries, warns Israel's military

Qatari mediators are holding urgent negotiations with Hamas and Israel to secure freedom for Israeli women and children who are held in captivity by Hamas in exchange for release of 36 Palestinian women and children from Israeli prisons, Reuters reported citing sources. Qatar's foreign ministry has reportedly confirmed that the country has been conducting negotiations in co-ordination with the US and that they are "moving positively".

"We are in constant contact with all sides at the moment. Our priorities are to end the bloodshed, release the prisoners and make sure the conflict is contained with no regional spillover," foreign ministry spokesperson Majed Al-Ansari told Reuters, without elaborating.

There are no signs of immediate breakthrough.

Watch | Israel-Palestine Conflict: Civilians and soldiers kidnapped in terror attack by Hamas

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Qatar is reportedly in touch with Hamas officials in Doha and Gaza after the militant group's attack on Israel from the Gaza Strip on Saturday. At the time of publishing of this story, at least 1,200 people had lost lives in the conflict.

It is not yet clear how many Israeli women and children Hamas is willing to release in exchange of release of 36 Palestinian women and children prisoners in Israel.

Israel has retaliated to Hamas attacks with its most intensive retaliatory strikes ever in Gaza. On Monday, Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant said that the government had ordered 'complete siege' of Gaza which will involve depriving the enclave of food, electricity and water supply. There are 2.3 million people in the Gaza strip.

Egypt has been in touch with both, Israel and Hamas and making efforts to prevent further escalation in fighting.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/did-israels-famed-intelligence-service-fail-to-foresee-hamas-unprecedented-terror-attack-644377">Did Israel’s famed intelligence service Mossad fail to foresee Hamas’ unprecedented terror attack?</a>

Reuters quoted Eran Lerman, former Israeli deputy national adviser, who said that Israelis were unlikely to concede to conditions of the hostage takers.

"We should have to see how long they are going to hold the hostages when over the next few days there is no water, no electricity, no food, no medicine for the entire Gaza population," he said.

Images of Israelis being taken into Gaza have made their way to social media. Israel has said that it will act to set the hostages free in accordance with a longstanding principle of leaving no prisoner behind.

Qatar has a direct line of communication with Hamas. The country has previously helped mediate between the Islamist group and Israel.

Qatar, a tiny nation but a wealthy energy and investment powerhouse, has ambitious foreign policy goals. It was recently under global spotlight after hosting more than a year of negotiations between the US and Iran. These negotiations ultimately led to prisoner exchange between the two nations and fund releases.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Qatari mediators are holding urgent negotiations with Hamas and Israel to secure freedom for Israeli women and children who are held in captivity by Hamas in exchange for release of 36 Palestinian women and children from Israeli prisons, Reuters reported citing sources.

Qatari mediators are holding urgent negotiations with Hamas and Israel to secure freedom for Israeli women and children who are held in captivity by Hamas in exchange for release of 36 Palestinian women and children from Israeli prisons, Reuters reported citing sources. Qatar's foreign ministry has reportedly confirmed that the country has been conducting negotiations in co-ordination with the US and that they are "moving positively". "We are in constant contact with all sides at the moment. Our priorities are to end the bloodshed, release the prisoners and make sure the conflict is contained with no regional spillover," foreign ministry spokesperson Majed Al-Ansari told Reuters, without elaborating. There are no signs of immediate breakthrough. Watch | Israel-Palestine Conflict: Civilians and soldiers kidnapped in terror attack by Hamas × Qatar is reportedly in touch with Hamas officials in Doha and Gaza after the militant group's attack on Israel from the Gaza Strip on Saturday. At the time of publishing of this story, at least 1,200 people had lost lives in the conflict. It is not yet clear how many Israeli women and children Hamas is willing to release in exchange of release of 36 Palestinian women and children prisoners in Israel. Israel has retaliated to Hamas attacks with its most intensive retaliatory strikes ever in Gaza. On Monday, Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant said that the government had ordered 'complete siege' of Gaza which will involve depriving the enclave of food, electricity and water supply. There are 2.3 million people in the Gaza strip. Egypt has been in touch with both, Israel and Hamas and making efforts to prevent further escalation in fighting. Also Read | Did Israel’s famed intelligence service Mossad fail to foresee Hamas’ unprecedented terror attack? Reuters quoted Eran Lerman, former Israeli deputy national adviser, who said that Israelis were unlikely to concede to conditions of the hostage takers. "We should have to see how long they are going to hold the hostages when over the next few days there is no water, no electricity, no food, no medicine for the entire Gaza population," he said. Images of Israelis being taken into Gaza have made their way to social media. Israel has said that it will act to set the hostages free in accordance with a longstanding principle of leaving no prisoner behind. Qatar has a direct line of communication with Hamas. The country has previously helped mediate between the Islamist group and Israel. Qatar, a tiny nation but a wealthy energy and investment powerhouse, has ambitious foreign policy goals. It was recently under global spotlight after hosting more than a year of negotiations between the US and Iran. These negotiations ultimately led to prisoner exchange between the two nations and fund releases. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Qatar in touch with Hamas and Israel to secure prisoner exchange: Report

Israel's ambassador to the United Nations, on Sunday (Oct 8), condemned the Hamas group for war crimes and said that it was time to "obliterate Hamas terror infrastructure".

"These are war crimes, blatant documented war crimes," said Israel's UN&nbsp;Ambassador Gilad Erdan ahead of a closed-door meeting of the 15-member UN&nbsp;Security Council meeting.

"The era of reasoning with these savages is over," he told reporters. "Now is the time to obliterate Hamas terror infrastructure, to completely erase it, so that such horrors are never committed again."

In a shocking turn of events, Palestinian military group Hamas launched a surprise attack against Israel on Saturday (Oct 7) morning marking the deadliest day of violence in Israel since the 1973 war.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hamas-condemns-united-states-move-to-deploy-ships-closer-to-israel-as-aggression-against-palestinians-644265">Hamas condemns US military aid to Israel as 'aggression' against Palestinians</a>

<h2>Israel's policies 'are an assault on our humanity', says Palestinian UN Ambassador</h2>

Israel on Sunday launched a counterattack on Gaza in response to the unprecedented attack by Hamas killing hundreds in retribution.

Palestinian UN Ambassador Riyad Mansour, ahead of the Security Council meeting, said that Israel’s assault on Gaza will not achieve its goals of obliterating Hamas and assuring its own security.&nbsp;

"Israel keeps saying: the blockade and repeated assaults on Gaza are to destroy Hamas military capabilities and ensure security ... its blockade and assaults accomplished neither," he said.

"When Israel now tries to justify yet another assault by the same faulty premise, no one should say or do anything to encourage it down this path. We know only too well the messages about Israel's right to defend itself will be interpreted by Israel as a license to kill," he added.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Israel's ambassador to the United Nations, on Sunday (Oct 8), condemned the Hamas group for war crimes and said that it was time to "obliterate Hamas terror infrastructure".

Israel's ambassador to the United Nations, on Sunday (Oct 8), condemned the Hamas group for war crimes and said that it was time to "obliterate Hamas terror infrastructure". "These are war crimes, blatant documented war crimes," said Israel's UN Ambassador Gilad Erdan ahead of a closed-door meeting of the 15-member UN Security Council meeting. "The era of reasoning with these savages is over," he told reporters. "Now is the time to obliterate Hamas terror infrastructure, to completely erase it, so that such horrors are never committed again." In a shocking turn of events, Palestinian military group Hamas launched a surprise attack against Israel on Saturday (Oct 7) morning marking the deadliest day of violence in Israel since the 1973 war. Also read: Hamas condemns US military aid to Israel as 'aggression' against Palestinians Israel's policies 'are an assault on our humanity', says Palestinian UN Ambassador Israel on Sunday launched a counterattack on Gaza in response to the unprecedented attack by Hamas killing hundreds in retribution. Palestinian UN Ambassador Riyad Mansour, ahead of the Security Council meeting, said that Israel’s assault on Gaza will not achieve its goals of obliterating Hamas and assuring its own security. "Israel keeps saying: the blockade and repeated assaults on Gaza are to destroy Hamas military capabilities and ensure security ... its blockade and assaults accomplished neither," he said. "When Israel now tries to justify yet another assault by the same faulty premise, no one should say or do anything to encourage it down this path. We know only too well the messages about Israel's right to defend itself will be interpreted by Israel as a license to kill," he added. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Israel's ambassador to UN accuses Hamas of war crimes

Following US President Joe Biden's&nbsp;announcement of providing additional equipment and resources to the Israel Defense Forces, the Palestinian militant group Hamas released a statement saying that this decision by the United States amounts to "aggression" against Palestinians.

"The announcement of the US that it will provide an aircraft carrier to support the occupation (Israel) is actual participation in the aggression against our people," Hamas said.

US President Biden, on Sunday (Oct 8), said that fresh military aid was on its way to Israel with "more to follow over the coming days".

Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also "discussed ongoing efforts to ensure that no enemies of Israel believe they can or should seek advantage from the current situation," the White House said in a statement.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hamas-attack-may-have-been-designed-to-derail-efforts-to-normalize-israel-saudi-arabia-ties-says-blinken-644248">Saudi-Israel ties may have motivated Hamas attack, says Blinken</a>

<h2>US moves carrier strike group closer to Israel</h2>

The United States is all set to deploy navy ships and warplanes closer to Israel in a show of support.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, on Sunday, in a statement said that he had directed the movement of multiple military ships and aircraft closer to Israel to show support.&nbsp;

He also said that the US would provide additional equipment and resources, including munitions to the Israel Defense Forces.

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Thank you for standing with us against Hamas terrorism. 
 
🇮🇱🤝🇺🇸 <a href="https://t.co/SWb4mzOFxT">https://t.co/SWb4mzOFxT</a>
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) <a href="https://twitter.com/IDF/status/1711092516391391449?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 8, 2023</a></blockquote>
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"The United States government will be rapidly providing the Israel Defense Forces with additional equipment and resources, including munitions," US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said in a statement.

"The United States has begun moving USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group to the Eastern Mediterranean. This includes the U.S. Navy aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78), the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Normandy (CG 60), as well as the Arleigh-Burke-class guided missile destroyers USS Thomas Hudner (DDG 116), USS Ramage (DDG 61), USS Carney (DDG 64), and USS Roosevelt (DDG 80). We have also taken steps to augment U.S. Air Force F-15, F-16, and A-10 fighter aircraft squadrons in the region. The U.S. maintains ready forces globally to further reinforce this posture if required," a press release by the United States Central Command read.

"USCENTCOM stands firmly with our Israeli and regional partners to address the risks of any party seeking to expand the conflict," said General Michael "Erik" Kurilla, Commander, US&nbsp;Central Command.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Following US President Joe Biden's announcement of providing additional equipment and resources to the Israel Defense Forces, the Palestinian militant group Hamas released a statement saying that this decision by the United States amounts to "aggression" against Palestinians.

Following US President Joe Biden's announcement of providing additional equipment and resources to the Israel Defense Forces, the Palestinian militant group Hamas released a statement saying that this decision by the United States amounts to "aggression" against Palestinians. "The announcement of the US that it will provide an aircraft carrier to support the occupation (Israel) is actual participation in the aggression against our people," Hamas said. US President Biden, on Sunday (Oct 8), said that fresh military aid was on its way to Israel with "more to follow over the coming days". Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also "discussed ongoing efforts to ensure that no enemies of Israel believe they can or should seek advantage from the current situation," the White House said in a statement. Also read: Saudi-Israel ties may have motivated Hamas attack, says Blinken US moves carrier strike group closer to Israel The United States is all set to deploy navy ships and warplanes closer to Israel in a show of support. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, on Sunday, in a statement said that he had directed the movement of multiple military ships and aircraft closer to Israel to show support. He also said that the US would provide additional equipment and resources, including munitions to the Israel Defense Forces. Thank you for standing with us against Hamas terrorism. 🇮🇱🤝🇺🇸 https://t.co/SWb4mzOFxT — Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) October 8, 2023 × "The United States government will be rapidly providing the Israel Defense Forces with additional equipment and resources, including munitions," US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said in a statement. "The United States has begun moving USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group to the Eastern Mediterranean. This includes the U.S. Navy aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78), the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Normandy (CG 60), as well as the Arleigh-Burke-class guided missile destroyers USS Thomas Hudner (DDG 116), USS Ramage (DDG 61), USS Carney (DDG 64), and USS Roosevelt (DDG 80). We have also taken steps to augment U.S. Air Force F-15, F-16, and A-10 fighter aircraft squadrons in the region. The U.S. maintains ready forces globally to further reinforce this posture if required," a press release by the United States Central Command read. "USCENTCOM stands firmly with our Israeli and regional partners to address the risks of any party seeking to expand the conflict," said General Michael "Erik" Kurilla, Commander, US Central Command. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Hamas condemns United States' move to deploy ships closer to Israel as 'aggression' against Palestinians

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, on Sunday (Oct 8), stated that one of the intentions behind the unprecedented attack launched by Hamas may have been to derail the efforts that were being made to normalise ties between Saudi Arabia and Israel.

"It wouldn't be a surprise that part of the motivation may have been to disrupt efforts to bring Saudi Arabia and Israel together, along with other countries that may be interested in normalising relations with Israel," Blinken told CNN in an interview on Sunday.

Blinken, in a separate interview with ABC, stated that in recent years, Hamas grew stronger because of the support it received from Iran.&nbsp;However, he also mentioned that for now, there wasn't any direct evidence linking Tehran's involvement to the assault.

"There's a long relationship between Iran and Hamas. In fact, Hamas wouldn't be Hamas without the support that it's gotten over many years from Iran. We haven't yet seen direct evidence that Iran was behind this particular attack is involved, but the - the support over many years is clear."

He added, "It's one of the reasons that over the last couple of years, we have been resolutely working against Iran's support for terrorism, for destabilising actions in other countries. We've sanctioned more than 400 Iranian individuals and entities precisely for the kind of support that they've offered Hamas in the past. And it's something that we remain extremely vigilant about." &nbsp;

"This is a massive terrorist attack that is gunning down Israeli civilians in their towns, in their homes, and as we've seen so graphically, literally dragging people across the - the border with Gaza, including a Holocaust survivor in a wheelchair, women and children. So, you can imagine the impact this is having throughout Israel. And the world should be revolted at what it's seen," he further added.

<h2>US working to verify reports of missing and dead Americans&nbsp;</h2>

Blinken told US television that the administration was working to verify reports that US citizens were among the ones killed or held hostage&nbsp;in the Hamas assault.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-vs-hamas-how-the-violence-unfolded-after-palestinian-militant-group-attacked-israel-a-timeline-644159">Israel vs Hamas: How violence unfolded after militant group launched attack</a>

"We have reports that several Americans were killed. We're working overtime to verify that. At the same time, there are reports of missing Americans and there again, we're working to verify those reports."

<h2>US to send munitions to Israel, boost forces in region</h2>

The Pentagon, on Sunday (Oct 8), released a statement saying that the US will provide additional equipment and resources, including munitions to the Israel Defense Forces.

"The United States government will be rapidly providing the Israel Defense Forces with additional equipment and resources, including munitions," US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said in a statement.

Earlier, President Biden had said that fresh military aid was on its way to Israel with "more to follow over the coming days".

Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also "discussed ongoing efforts to ensure that no enemies of Israel believe they can or should seek advantage from the current situation,"&nbsp;the White House said in a statement.

Palestinian militant group Hamas launched a surprise attack against Israel on Saturday (Oct 7) morning, marking the deadliest day of violence in the country.

(With inputs from agencies)

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US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, on Sunday (Oct 8), stated that one of the intentions behind the unprecedented attack launched by Hamas may have been to derail the efforts that were being made to normalise ties between Saudi Arabia and Israel.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, on Sunday (Oct 8), stated that one of the intentions behind the unprecedented attack launched by Hamas may have been to derail the efforts that were being made to normalise ties between Saudi Arabia and Israel. "It wouldn't be a surprise that part of the motivation may have been to disrupt efforts to bring Saudi Arabia and Israel together, along with other countries that may be interested in normalising relations with Israel," Blinken told CNN in an interview on Sunday. Blinken, in a separate interview with ABC, stated that in recent years, Hamas grew stronger because of the support it received from Iran. However, he also mentioned that for now, there wasn't any direct evidence linking Tehran's involvement to the assault. "There's a long relationship between Iran and Hamas. In fact, Hamas wouldn't be Hamas without the support that it's gotten over many years from Iran. We haven't yet seen direct evidence that Iran was behind this particular attack is involved, but the - the support over many years is clear." He added, "It's one of the reasons that over the last couple of years, we have been resolutely working against Iran's support for terrorism, for destabilising actions in other countries. We've sanctioned more than 400 Iranian individuals and entities precisely for the kind of support that they've offered Hamas in the past. And it's something that we remain extremely vigilant about." "This is a massive terrorist attack that is gunning down Israeli civilians in their towns, in their homes, and as we've seen so graphically, literally dragging people across the - the border with Gaza, including a Holocaust survivor in a wheelchair, women and children. So, you can imagine the impact this is having throughout Israel. And the world should be revolted at what it's seen," he further added. US working to verify reports of missing and dead Americans Blinken told US television that the administration was working to verify reports that US citizens were among the ones killed or held hostage in the Hamas assault. Also read: Israel vs Hamas: How violence unfolded after militant group launched attack "We have reports that several Americans were killed. We're working overtime to verify that. At the same time, there are reports of missing Americans and there again, we're working to verify those reports." US to send munitions to Israel, boost forces in region The Pentagon, on Sunday (Oct 8), released a statement saying that the US will provide additional equipment and resources, including munitions to the Israel Defense Forces. "The United States government will be rapidly providing the Israel Defense Forces with additional equipment and resources, including munitions," US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said in a statement. Earlier, President Biden had said that fresh military aid was on its way to Israel with "more to follow over the coming days". Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also "discussed ongoing efforts to ensure that no enemies of Israel believe they can or should seek advantage from the current situation," the White House said in a statement. Palestinian militant group Hamas launched a surprise attack against Israel on Saturday (Oct 7) morning, marking the deadliest day of violence in the country. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Hamas attack may have been designed to derail efforts to normalise Israel-Saudi Arabia ties, says Blinken

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, on Sunday (Oct 8), voicing support for the surprise assault by Hamas, termed the 'operation' as an act of self-defence by Palestinians.

He then called on Muslim governments to back the Palestinian nation, and their rights while also issuing a warning&nbsp;that Israel must be held accountable for endangering the region.

"Iran supports the legitimate defence of the Palestinian nation," Raisi said, as quoted by state television.

"The Zionist regime (Israel) and its supporters are responsible for endangering the security of nations in the region, and they must be held accountable in this matter."

Earlier, Iran's foreign ministry also in a statement said that the violence was a reaction to the Zionists' warmongering and provocative policies.

"This operation ... is the spontaneous movement of resistance groups and Palestine's oppressed people in defence of their inalienable rights and their natural reaction to the Zionists' warmongering and provocative policies," Iranian state media quoted ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanaani as saying.

"Iran considers that the Zionist occupier regime and its well-known supporters are responsible ... for the violence and killing against Palestinians and calls on Islamic countries to support ...the rights of the Palestinian people," Kanaani said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hamas-attack-may-have-been-designed-to-derail-efforts-to-normalize-israel-saudi-arabia-ties-says-blinken-644248">Saudi-Israel ties may have motivated Hamas attack, says Blinken</a>

<h2>Raisi speaks to Hamas, Islamic Jihad</h2>

Raisi also spoke with the leaders of Palestinian terror groups Hamas and Islamic Jihad on Sunday, as official media reports.

“Raisi discussed the developments in Palestine in separate phone calls with Ziyad al-Nakhalah, secretary general of the Islamic Jihad Movement, and Ismail Haniyeh, the head of the [Hamas] political bureau,” state news agency IRNA reported, without giving further details.

Iranian leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's senior adviser, on Saturday (Oct 7), extended support for the attack launched by Hamas on Israel and termed it a "proud operation".

"We support the proud Operation Al-Aqsa Flood," Yahya Rahim Safavi said using the codename for the operation announced by Hamas's armed wing, the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades.

"We support this operation, and we are sure that the resistance front also supports this issue," added Safavi, a Revolutionary Guards general, in comments reported by the ISNA news agency.&nbsp;

Iran's foreign ministry spokesman Nasser Kanani also congratulated Palestinian extremists and hailed the attack.

"Today's operation marked a new page in the field of resistance and armed operations against the occupiers," he said.

"The resistance has so far achieved brilliant victories during this operation, and this is a bright spot in the history of the Palestinian people's struggle against the Zionists."

(With inputs from agencies)

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Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, on Sunday (Oct 8), voicing support for the surprise assault by Hamas, termed the 'operation' as an act of self-defence by Palestinians.

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, on Sunday (Oct 8), voicing support for the surprise assault by Hamas, termed the 'operation' as an act of self-defence by Palestinians. He then called on Muslim governments to back the Palestinian nation, and their rights while also issuing a warning that Israel must be held accountable for endangering the region. "Iran supports the legitimate defence of the Palestinian nation," Raisi said, as quoted by state television. "The Zionist regime (Israel) and its supporters are responsible for endangering the security of nations in the region, and they must be held accountable in this matter." Earlier, Iran's foreign ministry also in a statement said that the violence was a reaction to the Zionists' warmongering and provocative policies. "This operation ... is the spontaneous movement of resistance groups and Palestine's oppressed people in defence of their inalienable rights and their natural reaction to the Zionists' warmongering and provocative policies," Iranian state media quoted ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanaani as saying. "Iran considers that the Zionist occupier regime and its well-known supporters are responsible ... for the violence and killing against Palestinians and calls on Islamic countries to support ...the rights of the Palestinian people," Kanaani said. Also read: Saudi-Israel ties may have motivated Hamas attack, says Blinken Raisi speaks to Hamas, Islamic Jihad Raisi also spoke with the leaders of Palestinian terror groups Hamas and Islamic Jihad on Sunday, as official media reports. “Raisi discussed the developments in Palestine in separate phone calls with Ziyad al-Nakhalah, secretary general of the Islamic Jihad Movement, and Ismail Haniyeh, the head of the [Hamas] political bureau,” state news agency IRNA reported, without giving further details. Iranian leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's senior adviser, on Saturday (Oct 7), extended support for the attack launched by Hamas on Israel and termed it a "proud operation". "We support the proud Operation Al-Aqsa Flood," Yahya Rahim Safavi said using the codename for the operation announced by Hamas's armed wing, the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades. "We support this operation, and we are sure that the resistance front also supports this issue," added Safavi, a Revolutionary Guards general, in comments reported by the ISNA news agency. Iran's foreign ministry spokesman Nasser Kanani also congratulated Palestinian extremists and hailed the attack. "Today's operation marked a new page in the field of resistance and armed operations against the occupiers," he said. "The resistance has so far achieved brilliant victories during this operation, and this is a bright spot in the history of the Palestinian people's struggle against the Zionists." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi backs Hamas attack, calls it Palestinians' right to self-defence

Indian National Congress (INC) or Congress party has reiterated its support for Palestinians in a recent resolution passed on Monday (Oct 9) and called for an “immediate cease-fire” between Israel and Hamas.&nbsp;

This comes a day after the political party said that it “condemns brutal attacks on the people of Israel” while also extending support for the “legitimate aspirations” of the Palestinian people.&nbsp;

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, shortly after Hamas launched its surprise attack on Israel, expressed solidarity with Israel along with several Western countries and Ukraine.&nbsp;

<h2>What did the Congress resolution say?</h2>

The resolution passed by the Congress Working Committee (CWC), a copy of which was posted on Congress’ X account, expressed deep concern over the conflict going on between Israel and Hamas and urged a ceasefire while also affirming the party’s backing for the rights of the Palestinian people.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-historical-conflict-between-israel-palestine-amid-unprovoked-escalation-by-hamas-644471">Explained: Historical conflict between Israel-Palestine amid unprovoked escalation by Hamas</a>

“CWC expresses its dismay and anguish on the war that has broken out in the Middle East where over a thousand people have been killed in the last two days. The CWC reiterates its long-standing support for the rights of the Palestinian people to land, self-government and to live with dignity and respect,” the statement read.&nbsp;

It added, “The CWC calls for an immediate cease-fire and for negotiations to begin on all outstanding issues including the imperative issues that have given rise to the present conflict.”&nbsp;

The statement comes a day after Congress’ General Secretary in-charge of Communications Jairam Ramesh, said, “The Indian National Congress condemns the brutal attacks on the people of Israel.”&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-nc-congress-emerge-as-winners-in-ladakh-autonomous-hill-development-council-elections-644251">India: NC, Congress emerge as winners in Ladakh autonomous hill development council elections</a>

It added, “The Indian National Congress has always believed that the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people for a life of self-respect, equality and dignity must be fulfilled only through a process for dialogue and negotiations while ensuring the legitimate national security interests of the Israeli people.”&nbsp;

“Violence of any type never provides a solution and must,” said Ramesh.&nbsp;

<h2>PM Modi’s statement</h2>

Shortly after the attack on Israel, PM Modi took to X and said “Deeply shocked by the news of terrorist attacks in Israel. Our thoughts and prayers are with the innocent victims and their families. We stand in solidarity with Israel at this difficult hour.”

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/countries-condemn-hamas-surprise-attack-from-gaza-express-solidarity-with-israel-643706">Western countries condemn Hamas' surprise attack from Gaza, express solidarity with Israel</a> 
 
After witnessing the&nbsp;deadliest attack in decades, Israel has since declared itself in a state of war after Palestinian militants launched hundreds of rockets from the blockaded Gaza Strip towards Israel on Saturday (Oct 7).

As of Monday (Oct 9), hundreds of people have been killed in both Israel and Gaza and thousands of others have been injured.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
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Indian National Congress (INC) or Congress party has reiterated its support for Palestinians in a recent resolution passed on Monday (Oct 9) and called for an “immediate cease-fire” between Israel and Hamas.

Indian National Congress (INC) or Congress party has reiterated its support for Palestinians in a recent resolution passed on Monday (Oct 9) and called for an “immediate cease-fire” between Israel and Hamas. This comes a day after the political party said that it “condemns brutal attacks on the people of Israel” while also extending support for the “legitimate aspirations” of the Palestinian people. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, shortly after Hamas launched its surprise attack on Israel, expressed solidarity with Israel along with several Western countries and Ukraine. What did the Congress resolution say? The resolution passed by the Congress Working Committee (CWC), a copy of which was posted on Congress’ X account, expressed deep concern over the conflict going on between Israel and Hamas and urged a ceasefire while also affirming the party’s backing for the rights of the Palestinian people. ALSO READ | Explained: Historical conflict between Israel-Palestine amid unprovoked escalation by Hamas “CWC expresses its dismay and anguish on the war that has broken out in the Middle East where over a thousand people have been killed in the last two days. The CWC reiterates its long-standing support for the rights of the Palestinian people to land, self-government and to live with dignity and respect,” the statement read. It added, “The CWC calls for an immediate cease-fire and for negotiations to begin on all outstanding issues including the imperative issues that have given rise to the present conflict.” The statement comes a day after Congress’ General Secretary in-charge of Communications Jairam Ramesh, said, “The Indian National Congress condemns the brutal attacks on the people of Israel.” ALSO READ | India: NC, Congress emerge as winners in Ladakh autonomous hill development council elections It added, “The Indian National Congress has always believed that the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people for a life of self-respect, equality and dignity must be fulfilled only through a process for dialogue and negotiations while ensuring the legitimate national security interests of the Israeli people.” “Violence of any type never provides a solution and must,” said Ramesh. PM Modi’s statement Shortly after the attack on Israel, PM Modi took to X and said “Deeply shocked by the news of terrorist attacks in Israel. Our thoughts and prayers are with the innocent victims and their families. We stand in solidarity with Israel at this difficult hour.” ALSO READ | Western countries condemn Hamas' surprise attack from Gaza, express solidarity with Israel After witnessing the deadliest attack in decades, Israel has since declared itself in a state of war after Palestinian militants launched hundreds of rockets from the blockaded Gaza Strip towards Israel on Saturday (Oct 7). As of Monday (Oct 9), hundreds of people have been killed in both Israel and Gaza and thousands of others have been injured. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

India’s Congress party extends support for Palestinians after Hamas attack on Israel, calls for ceasefire

On October 7, 2023, the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas unleashed its most devastating attack on Israel in decades, and it will be marked as a tragic day in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. An unanticipated attack was launched at dawn during the Jewish holiday of Simchat Torah in southern Israel. Hamas gunmen massacred and abducted hundreds of civilians and soldiers and launched thousands of rockets towards places as far afield as Jerusalem, triggering Israel to conduct massive retaliatory air strikes that killed dozens in the Gaza Strip. In Gaza, a high-rise tower was damaged by an Israeli retaliation attack. Mourners carried the bodies of recently killed terrorists through the streets, wrapped in green Hamas flags. People immediately stocked up on food, and most of the enclave ended up sinking into darkness due to a lack of electricity.

“We announce the start of Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, and we announce that the first strike, which targeted enemy positions, airports, and military fortifications, exceeded 5,000 missiles and shells,” Mohammed Deif, head of Hamas’ military wing, said in a recorded message. According to the Israeli military, the terrorists stormed into Israel by land, sea, and air in an attack, leading to some of the first engagements involving significant groups of Israeli and Arab soldiers on Israeli soil in decades. Following a temporary halt in rocket launches, Palestinian militants launched an evening onslaught on Israeli towns and cities in the country’s central heartland, setting off red alert sirens and sending thousands of Israelis running for safety. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the mobilisation of Israeli military reservists and said, "We are at war, and we will win it.”

Hamas was founded as a Sunni Islamic militant group during the first intifada (1987) to liberate Palestine and annihilate Israel to establish an Islamic state. Hamas has frequently engaged in multiple attacks and suicide bombings of varying intensity with the help of regional players on Israeli soldiers and civilians. The group has attacked Israel with short-range and medium-range missiles and demonstrated brutality by attacking civilians, which comes under ‘crime against humanity’. The present attack is unprecedented in death, destruction, and perhaps the worst security crisis in decades. Hamas militants launched a highly coordinated attack, hitting military bases and killing and taking hostage soldiers and civilians, which is similar to the 1973 Yom Kippur attack by Egypt and Syria due to its surprise assault. It seems Hamas planned and prepared themselves for months before this massive attack. Speculation of the involvement of an external player (regional or global) in the coordination and supply of weapons cannot be ruled out at this juncture after looking at the intensity and secrecy of the attack. The spokesman of Hamas, Ghazi Hamad, told BBC that Hamas has Iran’s support to conduct surprise attacks against Israel and “it’s a source of pride”.&nbsp; 
A closer look at the incidents reflects Israel’s intelligence agency’s failure to detect a serious security threat. The former chief of Mossad (an Israeli Intelligence agency), Efraim Halevy, told CNN: “We had no warning of any kind, and it was a total surprise that the war broke out this morning.” It is too early to draw conclusions, but Israel’s lack of preparedness is visible in the first eight hours of the attack, which caused three-digit casualties to Israelis in one day, which has never happened since 1973.&nbsp;

Iran’s assistance in attacks has profound repercussions for the West Asian region. The tension may escalate rapidly, as Iran is the biggest regional threat to Israel in West Asia. Qatar, Kuwait, Syria and Lebanon’s Hezbollah also supported and praised the Hamas attack and blamed Israel for the current situation. Saudi Arabia, UAE, Oman, Egypt and Morocco expressed deep concern at the deteriorating situation and asked international communities and organisations to activate a credible peace process. The involvement of Iran reflects that the attacks may have their roots in ongoing Saudi-Israel peace negotiations. Iran has consistently opposed the normalisation of ties with Israel. Saudi Arabia, a leader of the Muslim world, advocates of Palestinians’ cause engaged in negotiation with Israel seems hard to digest by Iran. At the same time, Iran has an opportunity to demonstrate that it is the real leader of Muslim countries by sailing on the Palestinian cause. The geopolitical stakes of each country in the region are high, which may have an adverse effect on the region. It may affect the recent rapprochement deal between Riyadh and Tehran. Academicians and policy analysts from all over the globe anticipated a diminution in regional hostilities after China brokered the Saudi-Iran peace deal. However, the Hamas attack has surprised them all.&nbsp;

The break-in of Hezbollah on the second day gives a new turn in this attack. Tensions are escalating on the Israel-Lebanon border, where Hezbollah launched multiple rockets at Israel-occupied Shebaa Farms. In a written statement, Hezbollah said the attack targeted three sites, including a "radar site" in the Shebaa Farms, a piece of land controlled by Israel since 1967 that Lebanon claims as its own. Israel Defence Forces(IDF) retaliated by attacking Hezbollah posts in Lebanon. The possibilities of further escalation and multi-front war are highly anticipated, which may bring International players to the court.&nbsp;

After this Medieval-styled brutal attack by Hamas, Palestinians may not be seen again as helpless victims and may have everlasting effects in West Asia. The talk on the two-state solution or co-existence of Jews and Palestine may die forever. The war of existence between the Jews and Palestine may be fought according to famous tribal Arab rule: either kill or get killed. In this scenario, the Israel-Palestine war of existence may end with one population staying and the other leaving.&nbsp; 
 
(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.) 
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On October 7, 2023, the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas unleashed its most devastating attack on Israel in decades, and it will be marked as a tragic day in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

On October 7, 2023, the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas unleashed its most devastating attack on Israel in decades, and it will be marked as a tragic day in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. An unanticipated attack was launched at dawn during the Jewish holiday of Simchat Torah in southern Israel. Hamas gunmen massacred and abducted hundreds of civilians and soldiers and launched thousands of rockets towards places as far afield as Jerusalem, triggering Israel to conduct massive retaliatory air strikes that killed dozens in the Gaza Strip. In Gaza, a high-rise tower was damaged by an Israeli retaliation attack. Mourners carried the bodies of recently killed terrorists through the streets, wrapped in green Hamas flags. People immediately stocked up on food, and most of the enclave ended up sinking into darkness due to a lack of electricity. “We announce the start of Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, and we announce that the first strike, which targeted enemy positions, airports, and military fortifications, exceeded 5,000 missiles and shells,” Mohammed Deif, head of Hamas’ military wing, said in a recorded message. According to the Israeli military, the terrorists stormed into Israel by land, sea, and air in an attack, leading to some of the first engagements involving significant groups of Israeli and Arab soldiers on Israeli soil in decades. Following a temporary halt in rocket launches, Palestinian militants launched an evening onslaught on Israeli towns and cities in the country’s central heartland, setting off red alert sirens and sending thousands of Israelis running for safety. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the mobilisation of Israeli military reservists and said, "We are at war, and we will win it.” Hamas was founded as a Sunni Islamic militant group during the first intifada (1987) to liberate Palestine and annihilate Israel to establish an Islamic state. Hamas has frequently engaged in multiple attacks and suicide bombings of varying intensity with the help of regional players on Israeli soldiers and civilians. The group has attacked Israel with short-range and medium-range missiles and demonstrated brutality by attacking civilians, which comes under ‘crime against humanity’. The present attack is unprecedented in death, destruction, and perhaps the worst security crisis in decades. Hamas militants launched a highly coordinated attack, hitting military bases and killing and taking hostage soldiers and civilians, which is similar to the 1973 Yom Kippur attack by Egypt and Syria due to its surprise assault. It seems Hamas planned and prepared themselves for months before this massive attack. Speculation of the involvement of an external player (regional or global) in the coordination and supply of weapons cannot be ruled out at this juncture after looking at the intensity and secrecy of the attack. The spokesman of Hamas, Ghazi Hamad, told BBC that Hamas has Iran’s support to conduct surprise attacks against Israel and “it’s a source of pride”. A closer look at the incidents reflects Israel’s intelligence agency’s failure to detect a serious security threat. The former chief of Mossad (an Israeli Intelligence agency), Efraim Halevy, told CNN: “We had no warning of any kind, and it was a total surprise that the war broke out this morning.” It is too early to draw conclusions, but Israel’s lack of preparedness is visible in the first eight hours of the attack, which caused three-digit casualties to Israelis in one day, which has never happened since 1973. Iran’s assistance in attacks has profound repercussions for the West Asian region. The tension may escalate rapidly, as Iran is the biggest regional threat to Israel in West Asia. Qatar, Kuwait, Syria and Lebanon’s Hezbollah also supported and praised the Hamas attack and blamed Israel for the current situation. Saudi Arabia, UAE, Oman, Egypt and Morocco expressed deep concern at the deteriorating situation and asked international communities and organisations to activate a credible peace process. The involvement of Iran reflects that the attacks may have their roots in ongoing Saudi-Israel peace negotiations. Iran has consistently opposed the normalisation of ties with Israel. Saudi Arabia, a leader of the Muslim world, advocates of Palestinians’ cause engaged in negotiation with Israel seems hard to digest by Iran. At the same time, Iran has an opportunity to demonstrate that it is the real leader of Muslim countries by sailing on the Palestinian cause. The geopolitical stakes of each country in the region are high, which may have an adverse effect on the region. It may affect the recent rapprochement deal between Riyadh and Tehran. Academicians and policy analysts from all over the globe anticipated a diminution in regional hostilities after China brokered the Saudi-Iran peace deal. However, the Hamas attack has surprised them all. The break-in of Hezbollah on the second day gives a new turn in this attack. Tensions are escalating on the Israel-Lebanon border, where Hezbollah launched multiple rockets at Israel-occupied Shebaa Farms. In a written statement, Hezbollah said the attack targeted three sites, including a "radar site" in the Shebaa Farms, a piece of land controlled by Israel since 1967 that Lebanon claims as its own. Israel Defence Forces(IDF) retaliated by attacking Hezbollah posts in Lebanon. The possibilities of further escalation and multi-front war are highly anticipated, which may bring International players to the court. After this Medieval-styled brutal attack by Hamas, Palestinians may not be seen again as helpless victims and may have everlasting effects in West Asia. The talk on the two-state solution or co-existence of Jews and Palestine may die forever. The war of existence between the Jews and Palestine may be fought according to famous tribal Arab rule: either kill or get killed. In this scenario, the Israel-Palestine war of existence may end with one population staying and the other leaving. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

A medieval-style brutality and its geopolitical repercussions on West Asia

Israel's army on Monday (Oct 9) announced that its forces have taken "control of communities" in its southern territory near Gaza. The development came two days after a surprise attack was launched by Hamas militants. 
 
"We are in control of the communities," said military spokesman Daniel Hagari while speaking to journalists, adding that there are chances of "terrorists" being present in the area. 
 
"We have fully evacuated 15 communities out of the 24 that are adjacent to the border,” said Hagari, adding that Israeli forces are likely to complete the evacuation "within the next 24 hours".

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-historical-conflict-between-israel-palestine-amid-unprovoked-escalation-by-hamas-644471">Explained: Historical conflict between Israel-Palestine amid unprovoked escalation by Hamas</a>

There were "4,400 launches at Israel," Hagari added while speaking about the barrage of rockets that were fired by Hamas into Israel since the assault was launched at dawn on Saturday. Hagari said that 300,000 army reservists were called up.

<h2>Israel's defence minister calls for 'complete siege' on Gaza</h2>

On Monday (Oct 9), Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant ordered a "complete siege" on the Gaza Strip as the Palestinian territory was pounded with air strikes by the military. 
 
"We are putting a complete siege on Gaza... No electricity, no food, no water, no gas -- it's all closed," said Gallant, in a video message, while speaking about the enclave which has housed 2.3 million people. 
 
Around 700 people were killed in the attacks launched by the Hamas militants across the border in southern Israel on Saturday (Oct 7), as people in towns and communities near Gaza were shot before Israeli security forces started fighting back. 
 
Hamas gunmen also killed around 250 people at a music festival which was being held in Kibbutz Reim, close to Gaza and was attended by foreigners and young Israelis, as per an organisation that helped to recover the bodies. 
 
"We are fighting animals and are acting accordingly," said Gallant, in Hebrew.

WATCH |&nbsp;Israel-Palestine War: US officials move to send aid and ammunition for Israel: Report

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After the missile strikes were launched by the Israeli military on the Gaza Strip in response to the Hamas attack, around 493 people were killed in the Palestinian enclave. 
 
Meanwhile, the main international ally of Hamas, Iran, congratulated it on the attack. But Iran's mission to the United Nations refuted Tehran's involvement in the operation carried out by the terrorist outfit. 
 
Lebanon's Iran-backed Hezbollah militia and Israeli forces also fired rockets and artillery at each other on Sunday (Oct 7).

Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Israel's army on Monday (Oct 9) announced that its forces have taken "control of communities" in its southern territory near Gaza. The development came two days after a surprise attack was launched by Hamas militants.

Israel's army on Monday (Oct 9) announced that its forces have taken "control of communities" in its southern territory near Gaza. The development came two days after a surprise attack was launched by Hamas militants. "We are in control of the communities," said military spokesman Daniel Hagari while speaking to journalists, adding that there are chances of "terrorists" being present in the area. "We have fully evacuated 15 communities out of the 24 that are adjacent to the border,” said Hagari, adding that Israeli forces are likely to complete the evacuation "within the next 24 hours". ALSO READ | Explained: Historical conflict between Israel-Palestine amid unprovoked escalation by Hamas There were "4,400 launches at Israel," Hagari added while speaking about the barrage of rockets that were fired by Hamas into Israel since the assault was launched at dawn on Saturday. Hagari said that 300,000 army reservists were called up. Israel's defence minister calls for 'complete siege' on Gaza On Monday (Oct 9), Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant ordered a "complete siege" on the Gaza Strip as the Palestinian territory was pounded with air strikes by the military. "We are putting a complete siege on Gaza... No electricity, no food, no water, no gas -- it's all closed," said Gallant, in a video message, while speaking about the enclave which has housed 2.3 million people. Around 700 people were killed in the attacks launched by the Hamas militants across the border in southern Israel on Saturday (Oct 7), as people in towns and communities near Gaza were shot before Israeli security forces started fighting back. Hamas gunmen also killed around 250 people at a music festival which was being held in Kibbutz Reim, close to Gaza and was attended by foreigners and young Israelis, as per an organisation that helped to recover the bodies. "We are fighting animals and are acting accordingly," said Gallant, in Hebrew. WATCH | Israel-Palestine War: US officials move to send aid and ammunition for Israel: Report After the missile strikes were launched by the Israeli military on the Gaza Strip in response to the Hamas attack, around 493 people were killed in the Palestinian enclave. Meanwhile, the main international ally of Hamas, Iran, congratulated it on the attack. But Iran's mission to the United Nations refuted Tehran's involvement in the operation carried out by the terrorist outfit. Lebanon's Iran-backed Hezbollah militia and Israeli forces also fired rockets and artillery at each other on Sunday (Oct 7). Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Israel vs Hamas: Jerusalem declares 'control of communities', calls for 'complete siege' on Gaza

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