Israel-Hamas war: Top developments Oct 13 | Israel's infantry, tanks enter Gaza, and more

Top developments Oct 12

-Infantry, tanks enter Gaza for 'localised raids' to eliminate terrorists

-IDF striking Hezbollah targets

-Flight evacuating US citizens has left Israel

-Palestinian PM accuses Israel of genocide in Gaza

-Fully prepared to join Hamas in war when time is right: Hezbollah

-US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin reiterates support for Israel

Netanyahu: "We will eliminate Hamas, we will defeat Hamas. It will take time.”

“This is just the beginning. Our enemies have only just begun to pay the price but I won't go into detail”

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. 

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IDF wrote on X: "An IDF UAV is currently striking terrorist targets belonging to Hezbollah in Lebanon."

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.

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A White House spokesman said that the first flight specially chartered to evacuate American citizens has left Israel and is on its way to Europe. It did not give any details of its destination. 

National Security Council spokesman John Kirby indicated that other flights would follow "for as long as there is demand from US citizens."

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have said that infantry units and tanks have entered Gaza Strip territory today for "localised operations" aimed at removing potential terrorists and finding missing Israelis. The military indicates that these forces gathered valuable information that could aid in locating the missing individuals. The IDF also states that the troops successfully eliminated several terrorists in the region, including a Hamas group responsible for launching anti-tank guided missiles at Israel. It's noted that the troops did not venture deep into Gaza, according to Channel 12 reports.

Anthony Blinken said efforts to get humanitarian aid into Gaza have been “complicated by the fact that Hamas continues to use innocent civilians as human shields and is reportedly blocking those Palestinians from moving to southern Gaza out of harm’s way”.

“We know the humanitarian situation is urgent. We’re actively engaged with partners, including Qatar, to get aid to those who need it,” he said.

“We recognise many Palestinian families and Gaza are suffering through no fault of their own, that Palestinian civilians have lost their lives,” Blinken said.

“Let’s not lose sight of why this is happening. Israel is conducting operations in Gaza because Hamas carried out terrorist attacks to kill in the most horrific way 1300 of its people. Hamas terrorists slaughtered, raped, mutilated, tortured, burned innocent civilians, from babies to the elderly, men, women, boys and girls,” Blinken said.

The number of Palestinians killed in the occupied West Bank by Israeli fire now stands at 11, according to the Palestinian health ministry.

Gazan residents are covering a distance of over 30-kilometres to the south amidst a humanitarian crisis, but many seeking shelter at Al-Shifa Hospital are hesitant to relocate. The hospital's facilities are strained as the crisis deepens.

Read the full report here.

The Israeli army has denied all accusations of its use of white phosphorus in its military operations over the past week, calling them “unequivocally false”. The denial came after Human Rights Watch accused Israel of using white phosphorus in Gaza and Lebanon, putting civilians at a major risk.

Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh on Friday accused Israel of genocide in the Gaza Strip. 

Thousands of Palestinians have fled to South Gaza following Israel's warning earlier on Friday. 

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said on Friday that Hamas is barracading more innocent people and is using them as a shield in Gaza. Foreign Minister Baerbock is in Israel and the visit is being seen as part of her efforts at crisis diplomacy. 

The visit comes the day after Baerbock held talks in Berlin with the Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, seen as a potential broker in the conflict.

At least nine Palestinians were killed by Israeli fire on Friday during rallies in solidarity with war-battered Gaza. According to the Palestinian health ministry, around 130 people were wounded across multiple locations. 

The deaths were reported in Ramallah, Nablus, Tulkarm, Hebron and other cities and towns across the West Bank. 

Lebanon's Hezbollah movement said on Friday that it is it will be "fully prepared" to join its ally Hamas in the war against Israel when the time is right.

"We, as Hezbollah, are contributing to the confrontation and will (continue) to contribute to it within our vision and plan," Hezbollah's deputy chief Naim Qassem told a pro-Palestinian rally in Beirut's southern suburbs.

A US official said on Friday that Israel is supporting safe areas for civilians in the Gaza Strip ahead of an expected major offensive. 

Speaking to the news agency AFP, the official said the US and Israel discussed "the need to establish some safe areas where civilians could relocate, be safe from Israel's legitimate security operations."

Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant says that a second aircraft is arriving in Israel today carrying munitions and thanked Austin for US' support. 

"You stand here with us...you have shown us what it means to be an ally, to be a friend, to be a brother," said Gallant. He added, "Defense cooperation and US support in the Pentagon, in the White House, Congress, ensure freedom of operation and enforce our capabilities." 

He also spoke about how Israel will receive its "second aircraft carrying essential munitions" for the Israeli military.

"US deployment of assets on land and in air and at sea sends a strong message to our partners and enemies in the region," said Gallant. 

The US official also said, "Hamas does not speak for the Palestinian people." Comparing Hamas to Islamic state he said, "The world has just witnessed a great evil." 

"Hamas attacked at a time of global challenge, but the US is the most powerful country in the world," said Austin, adding that US will support Israel as well as Ukraine. 

"The action by Hamas vividly reminds of ISIS. It has nothing to offer but zealotry, bigotry and death," said the US defence secretary.

US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin said they are "ready to deploy additional forces if necessary." Washington will also make sure that Israel has what it needs to "defend itself," said Austin. 

He also went on to allege that terrorists like Hamas "deliberately target civilians". 

"The world is watching and so are we, we are not going anywhere. We will continue to help Israel to have what it needs to secure its people. We will stand with Israel even as we stand with Ukraine."

US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin in Tel Aviv met with his Israeli counterpart Yoav Gallant as well as Israeli PM Netanyahu and reiterated US support for the country. 

"US support for Israel is unconditional," said Austin during a press conference. He also said that "I am also here to show solidarity with the family of the victims." 

"I am here in Israel to make crystal clear that US support for Israel is iron clad." 

He also spoke about how "this is no time for neutrality" and there is "no justification for terrorism."

Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas warned against a "second Nakba" catastrophe facing Palestinians after the Israeli army ordered evacuation of northern Gaza, in a statement published by the official Palestinian news agency Wafa.

Abbas "completely rejects the displacement of our people from the Gaza Strip, because it will be tantamount to a second Nakba for our people," said the statement. 

Nakba, or "catastrophe", refers to some 760,000 Palestinians who fled or were expelled from their homes during the 1948 war that coincided with Israel's creation.

US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, on Friday during a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Tel Aviv said he believes that in many ways the Hamas terror group is worse than ISIS.

"We’re with you, Mr. Prime Minister, and as the president said, we have your back," Austin told Netanyahu, as quoted by Times of Israel. He added, "It’s an awful week… disgusting acts by this terrorist group."

Austin also told Netanyahu that "as you know, I was the guy that initially put the ISIS campaign together and I know a lot about ISIS, and this is worse than what I saw with ISIS." 

US ambassador to China Nicholas Burns took to X and wrote, "We are shocked by today's attack on an Israeli diplomat in Beijing." 

He added, "I spoke with Israel's Ambassador to China, Irit Ben-Abba, and have offered our full support to the Israeli Embassy and Israeli community in China."

Israel and White House have condemned remarks by former United States President Donald Trump where he praised the Iran-backed militant group in Lebanon, Hezbollah and criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over an attack by Palestinian militant group Hamas. 

During a speech, the Republican party frontrunner for the upcoming election called Hezbollah, a sworn enemy of Israel, "very smart" and accused Netanyahu of being "not prepared" for the Hamas attack. 

In response Israeli Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi said that his comments showed he could not be relied on. 

It is "shameful that a man like that, a former U.S. president, abets propaganda and disseminates things that wound the spirit of Israel's fighters and its citizens," Karhi told Israel's Channel 13.

Meanwhile, White House deputy press secretary Andrew Bates called Trump's comments "dangerous and unhinged." He added, "It's completely lost on us why any American would ever praise an Iran-backed terrorist organization as 'smart'". 

The Hamas attack on Israel has also lead to the death of 22 Americans.

It was not until Thursday evening, Trump released a statement, saying there had been "no better friend or ally of Israel" than when he was the US president.

Israeli army dropped leaflets in Gaza calling residents to flee south. "To Gaza residents: Terrorist organisations launched a war against the state of Israel. Gaza city has turned into a battle field. You have to leave your homes immediately and head south of Wadi Gaza," said the Israeli army leaflet, according to Reuters. 

It added, "For your safety: Don't return to your homes until further notice from the Israeli Defence Forces. Leave all public and known shelters in the city of Gaza. Do not approach from the security wall, and whoever does so, is risking their lives. For your safety and the safety of your families, evacuate your homes immediately and head to the south of Wadi Gaza. Israel Defence Forces."

Source: Reuters

Arab League chief Ahmed Abul Gheit on Friday deemed Israel's order to Palestinians to evacuate the north of the Gaza Strip a "forced transfer" that constitutes "a crime". 

The remark was made in a letter by the secretary general of the pan-Arab body to the UN chief Antonio Guterres. 

Gheit also accused Israel of carrying out "an atrocious act of revenge... punishing helpless civilians in Gaza" rather than a "planned or studied military operation" to uproot Hamas militants 

There are more 170,000 people are in shelters run by United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) spokesperson Tamara al-Rifai told Al Jazeera. "Therefore we’re unable right now to assist (them)". 

He also told the media outlet how the UN agency was alarmed by Israel’s order for 1.1 million people in northern Gaza to evacuate to the southern part of the strip, which has added more strain on the UN facilities were already under a lot of pressure. 

The UN agency has also dismissed rumours that its staff left Gaza  and said more personnel had relocated around the Rafah border crossing to "push for humanitarian space."

European parliament president Roberta Metsola and European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen have landed in Israel. 

"We are here with a message of solidarity after the worst terror attack Israel has endured in generations. Terror will not prevail. How we respond matters," said Metsola in a post on X. 

She added, "We can - we must - stop Hamas. And do what we can to mitigate humanitarian consequences."

A report by news agency AFP said that the Israeli military on Friday dropped flyers on Gaza warning residents to flee "immediately" to the south. 

"Evacuate your homes immediately and go south of Wadi Gaza," read flyers dropped by drones and seen by AFP correspondents in the Palestinian territory. 

A map featured on the flyers showed an arrow pointing south across a line in the central Gaza Strip.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday (Oct 13) said an Israeli ground operation in Gaza would result in a level of civilian casualties that would be "absolutely unacceptable". 

Putin said that using heavy weaponry in residential areas was "fraught with serious consequences for all sides".

"And most importantly, the civilian casualties will be absolutely unacceptable. Now the main thing is to stop the bloodshed," said the Russian president. 

This comes after Israeli military called on all civilians of Gaza City, more than 1 million people, to relocate south within 24 hours as it is expected to launch a ground invasion. 

"We Norway, say that we condemn the blockade and the measures against civilians in Gaza" Norway Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store said.

"We have been clear from the start that Israel has the right to defend itself. There are also clear rules on how this right must be exercised and evacuating a million people in an area where more than two million people live is difficult to conceive" he added.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, in a diplomatic move, engaged in discussions with Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas in Amman, Jordan. Blinken's visit comes as part of his diplomatic tour of key Arab nations. 

Israeli diplomat at Beijing embassy stabbed as tensions rage on in West Asia. 

Israel's foreign ministry said a staff member in Beijing has been hospitalised post the attack. As per reports, the diplomat is in stable condition. 

The ministry also said that they are probing to find out what was the motive of the attack. 

United States Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin has arrived in Tel Aviv on a diplomatic visit to demonstrate unwavering support for Israel. This visit comes as Israel continues to grapple with the aftermath of a devastating attack by Hamas, which has resulted in a significant loss of life.

In October 7 incursion, Israel's military said approximately 2,500 terrorists entered the country. A significant number of them, around 70 percent, is believed to have ties to the Hamas organisation. 

Hamas on Friday (Oct 13) outrightly dismissed an Israeli directive demanding that 1.1 million residents vacate northern Gaza within 24 hours. This comes amid anticipation of an imminent ground invasion into the densely populated Palestinian region.

"Our Palestinian people reject the threat of the occupation (Israeli) leaders and its call for them to leave their homes and flee from them to the south or Egypt," Hamas said in a statement.

Defence Secretary Grant Shapps in an interview with Sky News said that it is "highly likely" that British citizens are among the individuals held hostage by Hamas in Gaza.

The cabinet minister further disclosed that the UK has dispatched extra intelligence personnel to the area. This comes in order to secure the release of those who have been taken captive in the embattled territory.

Islamic terrorist organisation Hamas has claimed that at least 13 hostages, including foreign nationals, have been killed in Israeli airstrikes on Gaza. This comes a day after Israeli Energy Minister Israel Katz pledged that no humanitarian aid would be provided to Gaza until Hamas released the people it abducted and held hostage. 

Israel says 'deeply disappointed' over lack of condemnation of Hamas attacks in Chinese statements, Reuters reported.

Hungary will not allow any rallies supporting "terrorist organisations," Prime Minister Viktor Orban told public radio on Friday, adding that all Hungarian citizens should feel safe, regardless of their faith or origin.

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin arrived in Israel Friday for a visit aimed at showing solidarity with a country still reeling from a devastating Hamas attack that has left thousands dead.

Austin will meet with officials including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Yoav Gallant during the visit to Israel -- his third as Pentagon chief -- which follows one by Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

In response to allegations levelled by Human Rights Watch, an IDF spokesperson on Friday (Oct 13) made clear that Israeli forces didn't use "white phosphorus" in Gaza attacks against Hamas terrorists.

The Israeli army releases footage on October 13 of an airstrike on what it claims to be a Hamas target. Israel has called for the immediate relocation of 1.1 million people in Gaza amid its massive bombardment in retaliation for Hamas's attacks, with the United Nations warning of "devastating" consequences.

Government Media Office in Gaza has urged residents to ignore Israel's warning to move from northern enclave, labeling it false propaganda, psychological warfare.

In a post on X, IDF called for the evacuation of all civilians of Gaza City from their homes southwards "for their own safety."

"Civilians of Gaza City, evacuate south for your own safety and the safety of your families and distance yourself from Hamas terrorists who are using you as human shields," IDF posted on X.

UNRWA, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, has moved its main operation centre in the southern part of the Gaza strip after Israeli warning to residents to evacuate in that direction.

“These UN schools and all other UN shelters are UN facilities. They must be protected at all times and must never come under attack in accordance with international humanitarian law,” it says.