Israel-Hamas war | Gaza aid deliveries ‘not fast enough’: Biden

The United Nations reported that 20 trucks scheduled to provide aid to the Gaza Strip via the Rafah crossing had not yet reached the region. UN aid spokesperson Eri Kaneko expressed hope that these materials would be able to enter Gaza the following day.

Lynn Hastings, a senior UN aid official, had earlier informed the Security Council that the planned crossing of 20 trucks was expected on Tuesday. In the past few days, 54 trucks have already entered Gaza, transporting essential supplies like food, medicine, and water. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres characterised this assistance as "a small contribution in the face of overwhelming need."

President Mahmoud Abbas, in the presence of his French counterpart Macron, has called for an immediate halt to the "aggression" in Gaza and urged for the protection of the Palestinian people. Macron, on his part, stated that the Hamas attack had been deeply distressing for Israel but was also a catastrophe for the Palestinian population. Macron stressed that there is no justification for the suffering of civilians in the Gaza Strip, as he spoke to reporters in Ramallah in the occupied West Bank.

Biden was answering a query from journalists during a medal awarding event.

The United Nations reported that, since Saturday, 54 trucks have entered Gaza, transporting essential supplies like food, medicine, and water. However, humanitarian organisations have criticised the delivery rate as insufficient for the suffering population.

The UN further mentioned that 20 trucks scheduled to enter the enclave from Egypt today have encountered delays and haven't been able to access Gaza yet.

The United Nations agency responsible for Palestinian refugees has issued a warning that it may need to cease its operations in the Gaza Strip by Wednesday unless there are immediate fuel deliveries to this conflict-affected area.

"If we do not get fuel urgently, we will be forced to halt our operations in the Gaza Strip as of tomorrow night," UNRWA said on X, formerly Twitter, on Tuesday.

"It’s really unfathomable. It’s truly sad that the head of an organisation that arose after the Holocaust holds such horrible views. A tragedy!", said Erdan

The Palestinian Authority's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Riyad Al-Maliki, addressed the United Nations Security Council during a meeting focusing on the Middle East.

"We should be on the same side. All of us who believe in justice are in peace, in the role of international law, in the value and sanctity of human life. We should stand shoulder to shoulder in this moment," he said.

"But that is only possible if everyone recognises the value of Palestinian life, and the need to uphold our rights."

Maliki also stated: "(The) message was always clear. Nothing can justify killing Israeli civilians. Well, nothing justifies killing Palestinian civilians."

Following this, Israel's Foreign Minister Eli Cohen addressed the council, stating, "We did not choose this war; it was imposed upon us. However, I have no doubt that we will emerge victorious." He expressed gratitude to the governments that have labelled Hamas as a terrorist organisation and urged others to follow suit. Cohen also extended his thanks to US President Joe Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken for their support of Israel.

Israel's Ambassador to the United Nations, Gilad Erdan, on Tuesday (Oct 24) called for the immediate resignation of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

More than a hundred people were arrested in Egypt for their involvement in pro-Palestinian demonstrations last week. However, some of these individuals have been subsequently released, as reported by Reuters, citing information from lawyers handling these cases. These protests, officially approved by the state, were held in various locations in Cairo and elsewhere across Egypt on Friday, expressing solidarity with Palestinians in response to Israel's military campaign in the Gaza Strip.

The top US diplomat made these remarks during an open debate at the UN Security Council. Blinken said that no member of the council or any nation in the UN would accept the killing of their own citizens. Last week, the US vetoed a Security Council resolution that called for humanitarian pauses in the conflict but did not mention Israel's right to defend itself, a decision criticised by the US. Blinken also stressed the council's responsibility to condemn countries that support and train groups like Hamas, responsible for such acts of violence.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced on Tuesday that three senior Hamas commanders were killed, including one who was involved in the massacre of Kibbutz Be'eri residents on October 7. 

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on Tuesday that he was concerned about violations of international laws in war-torn Gaza. 

"I am deeply concerned about the clear violations of international humanitarian law that we are witnessing in Gaza. Let me be clear: No party to an armed conflict is above international humanitarian law," Guterres told a Security Council session, without naming Israel. 

Top bankers, who were at an investment forum in Saudi Arabia, said on Tuesday that the ongoing Israel-Hamas war threatened the world economy.

"What just happened recently in Israel and Gaza ... you put all this together, I think the impact on economic development is even more serious," World Bank President Ajay Banga told the Future Investment Initiative (FII).

BlackRock CEO Larry Fink said that "if these things are not resolved, it probably means more global terrorism, which means more insecurity, which means more (of) society is going to be fearful, less hope. 

The Pentagon has sent military advisers to Israel to aid in its war planning against Hamas. According to a report by the news agency Associated Press on Tuesday (Oct 24), the Pentagon is also speeding multiple sophisticated air defence systems to the Middle East days ahead of Israel's anticipated ground assault into the Gaza Strip. Read more

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) has warned of a potential end to its aid work in the Gaza Strip.

Juliette Touma tells BBC Radio 4's World At One programme that "if we do not get fuel urgently, we will be forced to halt our operations in the Gaza strip as of tomorrow (Wednesday) night".

According to BBC, the Israeli military has dropped leaflets in northern Gaza asking for information about hostages being held by Hamas, and offering protection and compensation in return.

The translation provided by BBC In Arabic reads, "If your will is to live in peace and to have a better future for your children, do the humanitarian deed immediately and share verified and valuable information about hostages being held in your area.

"The Israeli military assures you that it will invest maximum effort in providing security for you and your home, and you will receive a financial reward. We guarantee you complete confidentiality."

But the Reuters news agency reported that one person tore up the appeal laflet.

"We don't care, do whatever you [Israeli PM Netanyahu] want, all of us in Gaza are telling you, we are resisting, from the east to west," the man said, as the crowd around him clapped.

The Gaza health ministry said that more than 700 have been killed in past 24 hours in Gaza, taking the total toll to at least 5,791 since Israel launched retaliaotry strikes on October 7 .

That's an increase of more then 700 on the figure announced yesterday.

Israel, however, said its air strikes hit more than 400 targets in Gaza, adding that it's targeting Hamas infrastructure.

A spokesperson for UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak says 12 Britons are now known to have died in the Hamas attack on Israel on 7 October, and that five are still missingm, reports BBC.

Government minister Victoria Atkins said this morning that 10 had died and six were missing.

French President Emmanuel Macron, who is on a solidarity visit to Israel, has called for an international coalition against Hamas

He was speaking after meeting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

He said countries fighting IS "should also fight against Hamas."

The French president also said that a 'decisive relaunch' of Palestinian peace process was needed.

One of the two Israeli hostages freed by Hamas, Yocheved Lifschitz (85), interacted with media and recounted the ordeal.

She said she has "been through hell" adding that she suffered bruises when she was kidnapped from her Kibbutz in Israel. She said she was kidnapped by Hamas fighters on motorbike. 

The press conference was held in Tel Aviv.

Lifschitz said that she and other captives were hit with sticks.
 
Her daughter Sharone, who was assisting her mother in the conference, said that her mother had witnessed a "huge network" of underground tunnels.

Sharone also said that when the captors took her mother into Gaza, they said they "believe in Quran" and hence would not hurt her.

Lifschitz spoke of clean conditions and said that guards took care of "every detail". She said she was given white chees and cucumber to eat. The captors had the same food.

Sharone conveyed her mother's words that "the story's not over until everybody comes back"

Israel President Isaac Herzog sounded assertive in a joint press conference with French President Emmanuel Macron in Jerusalem. He said that Israel did not want war Hezbollah but added that Lebanon will 'pay the price' if Hezbollah drags Israel into war.

“I think that the Iranian empire of evil is backing them and operates day in and day out to destabilise the Middle East and the region. I want to make it clear - we are not looking for a confrontation on our northern border with anyone else. We are focused on destroying Hamas' infrastructure and bringing our citizens back home,” the Israeli President said.

“But if Hezbollah will drag us into war, it should be clear that Lebanon will pay the price…Lebanon cannot be a sovereign member of the international community, its citizens carry a Lebanese passport, but when it comes to Israel they are not responsible….By international law, we have the full right to defend ourselves.”
 

French President Emmanuel Macron, who is on a solidarity visit to Israel, has met Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem. Macron is slated to meet Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas in Ramallah.

Earlier today, Macron met Israeli President Isaac Herzog.

"I want you to be sure that you're not left alone in this war against terrorism," Macron tol Herzog. "It is our duty to fight against terrorism, without any confusion and without enlarging this conflict."

If you joined our coverage just now, here are the latest updates:

- The death toll in this horrific conflict continues to rise. Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza has said that more than 5000 people have died on the Palestinian side. The Jerusalem Post cited Israeli health ministry to report that more than 1400 people have died on Israeli side

- The president of World Bank has said that Israel-Hamas conflict can deal a "serious" blow to global economic development.

- French President Emmanuel Macron is on a solidarity visit to Israel. Media reports suggest that he will also meet Palestinian president in Ramallah. If this happens, Macron would be the first Western leader to visit Palestinian Authority headquarters in occupied West Bank.

- Reactions from Arab countries continue to come. Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani has sad that Israel should not be granted "unrestricted authorisation to kill" in the ongoing conflict.
 

Click on the headline below to read the full report

Israel-Hamas war: Hamas releases two more hostages from Gaza; Israel confirms their arrival

Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati is going to meet army chief Joseph Aoun. Israel and Lebanon-backed Hezbollah have exchanged fire after breakout of war between Israel and Hamas. Israel has deployed troops as well as tanks along its border with Lebanon. The meet between Lebanese PM and army chief would be closely followed considering this background.

French President Emmanuel Macron, who is on a solidarity visit to Israel will also meet Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas, reported AFP. The meeting is slated to take place in Ramallah. Macron would be the first Western leader to visit the Palestinian Authority headquarters in the occupied West Bank after eruption of the latest conflict between Israel and Hamas.

US authorities are seemingly preparing for the doomsday in the Middle East, where it may be required to fly thousands of American citizens out of the region if the conflict in Gaza cannot be contained.

According to officials, an evacuation plan is being considered as a worst-case scenerio, although efforts to deescalate the situation were still on.

One official said, it “would be irresponsible not to have a plan for everything.”
 

The daughter of a former hostage, released Monday evening by Hamas terrorists, has said that her 85-year-old mother "seems okay" and she is "keen to share information."

"The nurses are just having a chat, they say she is very sharp and is very keen to share the information, pass on the information to families of other hostages that she was with," the daiughter of Yocheved Lifshitz was quoted as saying by the Standard.

"To see my mum again is an incredible thing. To hold her hand, just to kiss her face, and her cheek, and I'm so proud of her, she's amazing," she said.

“While I cannot put into words the relief that she is now safe, I will remain focused on securing the release of my father and all those, some 200 innocent people, who remain hostages in Gaza,” she added.

Yocheved Lifshitz was released alongside Nurit Cooper and handed over to the Red Cross at the Rafah crossing, on the border with Egypt, on Monday evening. 

Israeli President Isaac Herzog said Tuesday that his nation was not looking to wage war against Hezbollah on its northern border. He made these remarks during a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron, who is on a solidarity visit to Israel.

“I want to make clear, we are not looking for a confrontation on our northern border or with anyone else … But if Hezbollah drags us into a war it should be clear that Lebanon will pay the price,” Herzog said.

France’s President Emmanuel Macron has said that releasing hostages held by Hamas must be the “first objective” of the war in Gaza.

“The first objective we should have today is the release of all hostages, without any distinction, because this is an awful crime to play with the lives of children, adults, old people, civilians and soldiers,” Macron was quoted as saying by AFP after a meeting with Israel’s President Isaac Herzog. 

Qatar's ruling Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani has said Israel should not be given a green light for unconditional killing.

During an annual speech, he said the escalation between Israel and Hamas threatened peace and stability in the Middle East and the world.

This comes hot on the heels of Israel's fresh warning to Hamas that they will bring the terrorist group to a "state of full dismantling."

"We want to bring Hamas to a state of full dismantling- its leaders, its military branch, and its working mechanisms. That is why we are striking, and eliminating high ranking commanders and members, destroying infrastructure, and acting with great determination," said IDF Chief of the General Staff.

At least 10 British nationals have been killed and a further six have been missing in the Israeli-Hamas war that broke out on Oct 7, said junior British finance minister Victoria Atkins on Tuesday (Oct 24).

Earlier, UK intelligence agencies concluded that the strike on a Gaza hospital, which resulted in the death of hundreds of people (as per claims by Gaza authorities), was caused by a rocket fired by a Palestinian militant group rather than by an Israeli airstrike.

In a Commons statement after his trip last week to Israel, Egypt and Saudi Arabia, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak stressed the UK’s support for Israel but warned against actions that could undermine an eventual two-state solution, including a viable Palestine.

A statement from Gaza's government's office Tuesday said "more than 140 people were martyred and hundreds wounded in massacres committed by the occupation (Israel) raids". Gaza claims at least 5,000 people have died since the war broke out after Hamas' October 7 terror attack on the Jewish nation.

As per an AFP report, the agenda for French PM Emmanuel Macron's Israel visit

- Show "full solidarity" with Israel.

- As Israel carries out a relentless bombardment of the Palestinian enclave and prepares for a ground offensive, the French head of state as per the report is also expected to call for the "preservation of the civilian population" in Gaza, said the presidency.

- Call for a "humanitarian truce" to allow desperately needed aid into Gaza, whose 2.4 million people have been largely deprived of water, food, electricity and other basic supplies after an Israeli blockade, the Élysée Palace said.

French President Emmanuel Macron has arrived in Tel Aviv for a visit expressing his country's "full solidarity" with Israel in the aftermath of the deadly October 7 attacks by Palestinian militant group Hamas, reported AFP.

As Israel carries out a relentless bombardment of the Palestinian enclave and prepares for a ground offensive, the French head of state as per the report is also expected to call for the "preservation of the civilian population" in Gaza, said the presidency.

Gold prices rebounded on Tuesday as benchmark US Treasury yields pulled back, while investors awaited economic data for guidance on interest rates and monitored growing tensions in the Middle East.

Spot gold was up 0.2 per cent at $1,976.99 per ounce by 0349 GMT, while US gold futures was steady at $1,988.10.

As per the United Nations, six workers with its Palestinian refugee agency were killed in the last 24 hours in Gaza.

This brings the total of UN staff killed since the beginning of this conflict to 35.

"Since the start of hostilities, at least 16 health workers have been killed while on duty, along with 35 UNRWA staff," said the United Nations humanitarian agency OCHA in an update sent Tuesday on the situation up to Monday evening.

"Six of (them) were killed in the past 24 hours," it added.

Oil prices have risen, recovering some of the previous day's losses, as investors remained nervous that the Israel-Hamas war could escalate into a wider conflict in the oil-exporting region, causing potential supply disruptions.

Brent crude futures climbed 57 cents, or 0.6 per cent, to $90.40 a barrel by 0321 GMT, while US West Texas Intermediate crude futures increased 54 cents, or 0.6 per cent, to $86.03 a barrel.

In a video posted on X (formerly Twitter), the Israeli Defence Forces identified Hamas leaders and said their hands are "dripping with blood... of beheaded babies, of raped and executed women, the children slaughtered".

The grandson of released hostage Yocheved Lifshitz, while speaking to CNN, said that his grandmother “can hug her grandchildren.” 

US President Joe Biden held talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, stated the White House.

Biden “updated the Prime Minister on U.S. support for Israel and ongoing efforts at regional deterrence, to include new U.S. military deployments," read the readout released by the White House.

Biden “welcomed the release of two additional hostages from Gaza earlier today, and reaffirmed his commitment to ongoing efforts to secure the release of all the remaining hostages taken by Hamas — including Americans — and to provide for safe passage for U.S. citizens and other civilians in Gaza," the readout added.

In addition, Biden, “underscored the need to sustain a continuous flow of urgently needed humanitarian assistance into Gaza,” the White House stated.

Israel will not allow entry of fuel into Gaza even if Hamas releases all hostages, said  senior advisor to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Mark Regev, while speaking to CNN. 

“At the moment we have no interest in more fuel going to the Hamas military machine and we have not authorised fuel, we have authorised medicine, we have authorised water. We've authorised foodstuffs, we've not authorised anything else,” said Regev.

The government decision is that fuel doesn't go in because it will be stolen by Hamas and it'll be used by them to power rockets that are fired into Israel to kill our people,” Regev stated. 
 

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said it struck Hezbollah posts in Lebanon in various strikes. “The strikes were conducted in responses to the rocket and anti-tank missile launches from Lebanese territory today,” stated the IDF.

It was reported by Hezbollah military media Al Manar that strikes were carried out in open areas in Aitaroun, Kafr Kila and East Wazzani.  

Al Manar stated that Hezbollah fighters were targeting “Israeli occupation sites” on the border with Lebanon.

Israel's military stated that it was preparing for "unrelenting attacks" with the aim of dismantling Hamas.

In a statement, Israeli Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi said that Israel had no intention of decreasing its strikes on Gaza Strip and it is well prepared for a ground assault.

"We want to bring Hamas to a state of full dismantling," said Halevi on Monday.

"The path is a path of unrelenting attacks, damaging Hamas everywhere and in every way. We are well prepared for the ground operations in the south. Troops who have more time are better prepared, and that is what we are doing now," he added. 

Palestinian reports of a refugee camp being hit in an airstrike in northern Gaza was confirmed by the Israeli military, Reuters reported.

A staging ground for Hamas in Al-Shati refugee camp was targeted by the Israeli airstrike, said a military spokesperson.

Palestinian media stated that five people were killed in the strikes while the Hamas-run health ministry's spokesperson confirmed that women and children were among the casualties.

Red Cross stated that it had facilitated the release of two more hostages from terrorist outfit Hamas. Taking to X, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said that they worked towards the release of the hostages.

In the statement, ICRC further stated that the two hostages were transported by them outside Gaza. "We facilitated the release of 2 more hostages, transporting them out of #Gaza this evening. Our role as a neutral intermediary makes this work possible & we are ready to facilitate any future release. We hope that they will soon be back with their loved ones," the ICRC stated. 

Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi told Israeli counterpart Eli Cohen that "all countries" have a right to self-defence, said Beijing, as per a foreign ministry readout. 

"All countries have the right to self-defence," Wang told Eli, while stressing that "they should abide by international humanitarian law and protect the safety of civilians".

In a rare statement from the former United States President Barack Obama warned that "any Israeli military strategy that ignores the human costs could ultimately backfire."

"Already, thousands of Palestinians have been killed in the bombing of Gaza, many of them children. Hundreds of thousands have been forced from their homes," Obama said in a statement posted on social media.

He also criticised the Israeli government's decision to cut off food, water and electricity to Gaza saying "to a captive civilian population threatens not only to worsen a growing humanitarian crisis."

"It could further harden Palestinian attitudes for generations, erode global support for Israel, play into the hands of Israel's enemies, and undermine long term efforts to achieve peace and stability in the region," said the former US president. 

The Israeli army said that it conducted strikes against Hezbollah sites, including a military post and a watch tower, presumably in southern Lebanon in response to the projectiles launched from Lebanese territory earlier on Monday.

During his visit to Israel, French President Emmanuel Macron, is expected to propose and push for a humanitarian truce despite a looming Israeli ground offensive into Gaza. 

Macron's advisers said that beyond showing solidarity with Israel, the French president also wanted to make "proposals that are as operational as possible" to prevent an escalation, free hostages, guarantee Israel's security and work towards a two-state solution, reported Reuters. 

He will also meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Israeli President Isaac Herzog, and centrist leaders Benny Gantz and Yair Lapid for the opposition.

United States President Joe Biden took to X and said that his administration "remains committed" to ensure that civilians in Gaza have "access to food, water, medical care, and other assistance, without diversion by Hamas."

All of the three people with dual Italian-Israeli citizenship who went missing after the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel have died, said Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said on Monday. 

"Unfortunately Nir Forti has also died. He was the last of the 3 missing Italian-Israelis," Tajani said on X, the social media platform. "Dying at the age of 29, brutally killed by terrorists, is profoundly unjust," he added.

The Palestinian health ministry, in a update, said dozens of Palestinians have been killed and many others wounded in Israeli air strikes on al-Shati refugee camp in Gaza.

It is said to be the third largest refugee camp in the Gaza Strip, according to the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA).

"The Israeli occupation forces have massacred several families in al-Shati refugee camp during the last hour, killing and wounding dozens, including women and children," said spokesperson for the Palestinian health ministry, in a statement on social media. 

Image shows Yocheved Lifshitz and Nurit Cooper who were held hostages by Palestinian Hamas militants, are released by the militants, in this video screengrab obtained by Reuters on October 23, 2023.

(Source: Reuters)

Former hostages Yocheved Lifshitz and Nurit Cooper have been handed over to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) custody and are making their way to a hospital in Israel especially set up for them, where they will be reunited with their families, said the Israeli PM Netanyahu's Office, in a statement. 

Israel also thanked Egypt "for its help" and the Red Cross "for its important life-saving role," and as per Times of Israel, the statement also indicated that the Israeli military also played a role in their release.

"The IDF and security forces did much work in the last days via all channels to bring about their release and overcome the many obstacles raised by Hamas," said the statement. 

United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said that British intelligence services have concluded that the blast at al-Ahli Arab hospital in Gaza which killed at least 500 people was caused by a rocket fired by a Palestinian militant group rather than by an Israeli airstrike. 

Speaking at the House of Commons he told MPs he said that the based on intelligence and weapons analysis, the UK government "judges that the explosion was likely caused by a missile or part of one that was launched from within Gaza towards Israel". 

He also went on to stress on a  two-state solution and said the UK would provide an additional 20 million pounds ($24 million) in aid to Gaza.

United States President Joe Biden during an event said discussions about a ceasefire in Gaza can take place after all hostages are released. This comes after White House said that the US had opposed a ceasefire, as it would allow Hamas to recoup strength.

"We should have those hostages released and then we can talk," Biden said at a White House event when asked if he would support a "hostages-for-ceasefire" deal.

He also abruptly left the event to promote his economic program ahead of next year's election and said he had to go to the White House Situation Room for "another issue I have to deal with."

The remark was made shortly after Hamas said they had freed two more women hostages abducted from Israel.

At least 436 Palestinians, including 182 children, have been killed by Israeli air strikes and shelling in Gaza in the past 24 hours, said Palestinian health ministry spokesperson in an update. 

The statement added, most of the victims were killed in the southern Gaza Strip. 

The United Nations General Assembly will meet Thursday (Oct 26) to discuss the conflict triggered by the Palestinian militant group Hamas on Israel announced the body's president in a letter to the member states, on Monday (Oct 24), according to new agency AFP. 

Meanwhile, the UN Security Council will meet to discuss the issue Tuesday ahead of the General Assembly's gathering Thursday at 10:00 am (local time). This comes after the UNSC rejected a Russian draft resolution calling for a "humanitarian pause."

According to media reports, the spokesperson for Hamas' military wing, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades said that the Palestinian militant group released two Israeli hostages, on Monday (Oct 24) who were being held in the Gaza Strip.

There was no immediate confirmation by Israeli authorities. 

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