Israel - Palestinian militants launch massive attack, 7 Oct 2023

[dotr]

<modsnip: quoted post was removed>

'We assume Iran was behind this': Israeli diplomat on Hamas terror attack

Israel-Palestine Latest: Maya Kadosh said, “It's definitely something that was well prepared and well sponsored.”

www.hindustantimes.com

ebbm
''In an interview with ANI, Kadosh said, "It's definitely something that was well prepared and well sponsored. And we assume that Iran was behind this move. It's not something that just a group of terrorists came out of the blue and decided to do. It's something that was well arranged and well-funded".

She has also called on the Indians who are stranded in Israel to be very careful and follow the security orders being given.

"I call all Indians in Israel to listen to the security forces, to be very careful, don't leave the proximity of safe rooms. We have very good defence systems in Israel. As long as people will listen to the orders and stay near the safe rooms and areas, they will be safe. People should stay where they are, should be aware of what's going on. As soon as they hear the sirens, stay inside the safe room and you will be safe," she said.''

Iran says attack on Israel is Palestinian 'self-defence'

Iran's foreign ministry said attacks by its ally Hamas on Israel on Saturday were an act of self-defence by Palestinians, and called on Muslim countries to support their rights.

www.reuters.com

"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.

Ali Akbar Velayati, a top adviser to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei, said in a statement: "This victorious operation will certainly expedite the collapse of the Zionist regime and promises its imminent annihilation," the semi-official news agency Fars reported.''

 

[JennieM]

Hostages rescued in Israeli town - media reports​

Hostages who were held in the southern town of Ofakim have been rescued, according to Israel's public broadcaster Kan.

Three Israeli soldiers were moderately and lightly wounded, the broadcaster has said in a post on Twitter. It added that the Hamas attackers had been killed.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/world-middle-east-67037895

 

[Herat]

CNN has the footage of German woman, her German mother, and her two little girls of 3 and 7 kidnapped and driven away in a truck into Gaza. Her husband was able to identify where she was because of her cell phone.

He is begging the German government to interceed and get information about them.

 

[PommyMommy]

The family of Doron and her two daughters, Raz and Aviv, saw how they were kidnapped into Gaza by Hamas terrorists. Their family asked to share this so everyone will know the truth. There are many more Israelis who were kidnapped by Hamas terrorists. Israel is under a heinous terror attack.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1710767109771334121

Mother, daughters, and student all among ‘dozens’ kidnapped by Hamas in Israel

Families described identifying kidnapped loved ones on social media video

www.independent.co.uk

 

[JennieM]

Netanyahu: 'We have destroyed most of the enemy forces'​

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said online that the country is “embarking on a long and difficult war” and that the first stage would be over in the coming hours, a possible reference to the elimination of the estimated 200-300 militants that entered Israeli territory on Saturday morning.

“The first phase ends in these hours by destroying most of the enemy forces that have penetrated our territory. At the same time, we started the offensive formation and it will continue without reservation and without respite - until the goals are achieved. We will restore security to the citizens of Israel and we will win.”

Civilians and soldiers held hostage in Gaza, says Israel – as it happened

This blog is now closed.

www.theguardian.com

 

[PommyMommy]

34min ago

Security cabinet says Israel will destroy military, governmental abilities of Hamas, Islamic Jihad​

By TOI STAFF
The Prime Minister’s Office says the security cabinet ended its meeting tonight, following a day of unprecedented attacks by Hamas against Israelis, and has made a “series of operational decisions aimed at bringing about the destruction of the military and governmental capabilities of Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad.”

His office says Israel’s response will take away “their ability and desire to threaten and harm the citizens of Israel for many years.”

Among the decisions made by the cabinet are stopping the supply of electricity, fuel and goods to the Gaza Strip.

31min ago

Two Israeli hostages rescued in Ofakim; terrorists killed​

Two Israelis, including a child, who were taken hostage in a home in the southern town of Ofakim have been rescued by Israeli security forces, according to Hebrew-language media.
Four terrorists at the home were killed, according to the reports. At least one member of Israel’s security forces was injured.

 

[Herat]

Civilians will pay price for biggest challenge to Israel since 1973​

Bethan McKernanin Jerusalem

[…]

The attack represents a serious intelligence failure for Israel’s security establishment, which assessed that Hamas was not looking for a full-scale war; the two sides had just negotiated a truce, mediated by Qatar, Egypt and the UN, after three weeks of violence and unrest at the separation fence.

Part of Israel’s calculations appeared to be that Hamas would not want to imperil an economic lifeline of the past two years – the issuing of 18,500 permits for men from Gaza to work in construction and agriculture in Israel.

[…]

The shock offensive is also certain to derail the budding normalisation of relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia, home to Islam’s two holiest sites, and the religion’s geopolitical anchor – which in theory could pave the way for the acceptance of the Jewish state across the Muslim world. Hamas also turned to violence in the 1990s to express disapproval of the Oslo peace process between Israel and Fatah, the Palestinian Authority’s ruling party.

What is less clear is what Hamas is trying to achieve in the long term, and how much coordination and support such a huge attack received from outside elements such as Hezbollah or Iran. At the very least, the attack is a clear signal that the 16-year-old siege of Gaza is not sustainable.

Events also present formidable challenges to Israel’s far-right government, which has overseen domestic chaos triggered by its proposals to overhaul the judiciary, as well as escalated tensions with the Palestinians, since taking office last December. For the extremists in prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s cabinet, this is a more than ample pretext for a return to full-scale war in the region.

An Israeli ground offensive in response, the first since 2014, is likely. The only thing that appears certain is that Gaza’s inhabitants, already battered by four wars over 16 years, are going to pay the heaviest price.

Civilians will pay price for biggest challenge to Israel since 1973

Inhabitants of Gaza now face the prospect of an Israeli ground offensive

www.theguardian.com

Reading this, I'm very disappointed to hear that Qatar has not condemmed the violent attach on civilians and hostage taking, despite appearing to assist in peace negotiations.

The US depends heavily on Qatar for bases in the MidEast:

"Al Udeid Air Force Base in Doha, Qatar

The Al Udeid Air Base is a military base located west of Doha Qatar and is owned by the Qatar Emiri Air Force. It is home to the headquarters of United States Central Command (USCC) and United State Air Force Central Command (USAFCC)."

 

[PommyMommy]

3min ago

Rocket sirens sound in Kibbutz Be’eri where Israeli forces battle Palestinian terrorists​

Sirens warning of incoming rockets are sounding in Kibbutz Be’eri in southern Israel where Israeli security forces and Palestinian terrorists who infiltrated into the kibbutz from Gaza are engaged in a gun battle.

Hebrew media reports say Israeli forces are still working to clear the kibbutz of terrorists and exchanges of gunfire can be heard.

Earlier, dozens of people were rescued from the kibbutz dining hall where they were held hostage for hours. According to public broadcaster Kan, at least 48 people were rescued in the incident.

 

[lonetraveler]

A local couple from my area are sitting on a cruise ship in the port of Haifa, Israel waiting on passengers that didn't return from their day excursion to Jerusalem/Tel Aviv. They can't leave port until the passengers have returned and then they will head out to the open sea.

Wow, I can't even imagine the terror these passengers are feeling.

 

[dotr]

graphic warning.

 

[ReadySet]

One of those bodies has been identified as a woman who was there to attend the music festival for peace.

Naked Woman Paraded by Hamas Millitants in Gaza in a Truck, is a German National Named Shani Louk. Her Tattoos Match Those Seen on Instagram Photos

Update 11/16/23: IDF says it has killed one of the terrorists who paraded Shani Louk’s naked body through the streets of Gaza on October 7th...

www.smobserved.com

The woman seen on video in the back of a pick-up truck driven by Palestinian terrorists through cheering crowds in Gaza has been identified. Shani Louk, 30, is a German citizen visiting Israel to attend the music festival for peace held near the Gaza border fence. Louk's leg tattoos (see photos below), clearly match those seen on Instagram.

Paraded around in the back of a bus by Hamas in Gaza, the naked woman was reported by Hamas to be a dead female Israeli soldier. ...

[...]

The way this was written cause me to look up The Santa Monica Observer on Media Bias Fact Check. It's considered a "Questionable Source." JMO I would not consider this article valid IMO

Santa Monica Observer - Bias and Credibility

QUESTIONABLE SOURCE A questionable source exhibits one or more of the following: extreme bias, consistent promotion of propaganda/conspiracies, poor or no

mediabiasfactcheck.com

Here's part of their report, it's worth reading the whole report.

• Overall, we rate the Santa Monica Observer Questionable based on the routine publication of false and misleading information and the use of poor sources.

---

Detailed Report​

Reasoning: Poor Sourcing, Fake News, Lack of Ownership Transparency, Imposter
Bias Rating: RIGHT
Factual Reporting: LOW
Country: USA
MBFC’s Country Freedom Rating: MOSTLY FREE
Media Type: Website
Traffic/Popularity: Minimal Traffic
MBFC Credibility Rating: LOW CREDIBILITY

 

[JennieM]

Summary​

Here is a summary of what we know so far as the Israeli military response to attacks by Hamas enters day two.

• At least 250 Israelis have died in Hamas attacks, Israeli officials have said. More than 1,590, Israelis have been wounded, Israel’s health ministry said.
• At least 230 Palestinians have been killed and 1,610 wounded in Gaza by Israeli retaliation after the Hamas attack.
• Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said that the country is “embarking on a long and difficult war” and that the first stage would be over in the coming hours.
• Israeli civilians and soldiers are held hostage in Gaza, a spokesperson for the Israeli defense forces confirmed. The spokesperson declined to specify the number of hostages.

<modsnip: copyright> **MORE AT LINK**

Civilians and soldiers held hostage in Gaza, says Israel – as it happened

This blog is now closed.

www.theguardian.com

 

[MassGuy]

The way this was written cause me to look up The Santa Monica Observer on Media Bias Fact Check. It's considered a "Questionable Source." JMO I would not consider this article valid IMO

Santa Monica Observer - Bias and Credibility

QUESTIONABLE SOURCE A questionable source exhibits one or more of the following: extreme bias, consistent promotion of propaganda/conspiracies, poor or no

mediabiasfactcheck.com

Here's part of their report, it's worth reading the whole report.

• Overall, we rate the Santa Monica Observer Questionable based on the routine publication of false and misleading information and the use of poor sources.

---

Detailed Report​

Reasoning: Poor Sourcing, Fake News, Lack of Ownership Transparency, Imposter
Bias Rating: RIGHT
Factual Reporting: LOW
Country: USA
MBFC’s Country Freedom Rating: MOSTLY FREE
Media Type: Website
Traffic/Popularity: Minimal Traffic
MBFC Credibility Rating: LOW CREDIBILITY

Confirmed by the Washington post and the Telegraph.

Naked Israeli woman paraded by jeering Hamas fighters

Celebrating crowd surround the armed men, shouting ‘Allah Akbar’

www.telegraph.co.uk

https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/10/07/israel-gaza-rocket-attack-hamas/

 

[mickey2942]

This is beyond terrible. So many civilians, innocent children will be caught up in this war.

 

[PommyMommy]

The way this was written cause me to look up The Santa Monica Observer on Media Bias Fact Check. It's considered a "Questionable Source." JMO I would not consider this article valid IMO

Santa Monica Observer - Bias and Credibility

QUESTIONABLE SOURCE A questionable source exhibits one or more of the following: extreme bias, consistent promotion of propaganda/conspiracies, poor or no

mediabiasfactcheck.com

Here's part of their report, it's worth reading the whole report.

• Overall, we rate the Santa Monica Observer Questionable based on the routine publication of false and misleading information and the use of poor sources.

---

Detailed Report​

Reasoning: Poor Sourcing, Fake News, Lack of Ownership Transparency, Imposter
Bias Rating: RIGHT
Factual Reporting: LOW
Country: USA
MBFC’s Country Freedom Rating: MOSTLY FREE
Media Type: Website
Traffic/Popularity: Minimal Traffic
MBFC Credibility Rating: LOW CREDIBILITY

Thank you for that info. Here's a better source, I hope - The Washington Post.

Israel ‘at war’ after unprecedented assault by Hamas militants from Gaza - The Washington Post
[...]

Tom Weintraub Louk, 30, told The Washington Post that her first cousin, Shani Louk, was missing after militants overran an outdoor dance party near Kibbutz Urim on Saturday morning.

As news of the attack circulated, family members tried to contact Shani, who is in her early 20s. “We knew she was in the party. She didn’t answer,” said Louk. Family members also failed to get through to her Mexican boyfriend.

Later in the morning, as videos of hostage-takings flew across social media, another cousin recognized Shani in one of them — in the back of a pickup truck, surrounded by armed militants. Louk has not been able to bring herself to watch the video, but Shani’s parents have. “We recognized her by the tattoos, and she has long dreadlocks,” she said.

[...]

 

[PommyMommy]

34min ago

Sderot mayor decries ‘massacre of innocent civilians,’ calls to erase Hamas​

Sderot Mayor Alon Davidi tells residents to stay in their homes behind locked doors and not open them until instructed otherwise, as Israeli security forces work to find and apprehend an unknown number of Palestinian terrorists who infiltrated this morning from Gaza into Israeli communities and gunned down people in the streets and in their homes.

Davidi decries the “massacre of innocent civilians everywhere,” and calls for Israel’s leadership to deal a significant blow to Hamas.

“We need to take over Gaza and kill them, they need to be erased,” he tells Channel 12.

11min ago

Rocket sirens sound in Sderot, Kibbutz Nir Am​

Sirens warning of incoming rocket attacks sound again in southern Israel. They are heard in Sderot, Kibbutz Nir Am, Yad Mordechai, and Netiv Ha’asara, all near the Gaza Strip.

Earlier overnight, a home in Sderot suffered a direct rocket hit, causing no injuries but significant damage.

 

[JennieM]

Hamas blindsides Israel with most serious attack in a generation​

Jeremy Bowen
International Editor

The complexity of the Hamas operation shows that it had been planned over months. It was not a hasty response to events in Jerusalem in the last week or so.

The conflict between Israelis and Palestinians has been heating up even when it is far from the headlines of international news organisations.

At the heart of the trouble is the intractable and unresolved century-long conflict between Arabs and Jews for control of the land between the Mediterranean Sea and the river Jordan.

These rapidly-escalating events prove once again that the conflict cannot simply be managed.

When it is left to fester, violence and bloodshed are guaranteed.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/world-middle-east-67037895

 

[JennieM]

Israel’s security cabinet has finished its meeting. Netanyahu’s office has said it has approved steps to destroy the military and governmental capabilities of Hamas and Islamic Jihad “for many years,” including cutting electricity and fuel supplies and the entry of goods into Gaza.

Earlier, the energy minister Israel Katz ordered the electricity supply to Gaza to be halted, saying in a statement: “It’s not going to be how it was.” Gaza is largely reliant on Israel for its power supplies.

Civilians and soldiers held hostage in Gaza, says Israel – as it happened

This blog is now closed.

www.theguardian.com

 

[PommyMommy]

Israel Gaza live updates: Israel warns Gaza residents to flee homes ahead of revenge attacks - BBC News

18:05

Israel will cut off supplies to Gaza - Netanyahu​

Israel will cut off the supply of electricity, fuel and goods to Gaza, according to media reports citing a statement from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office.

Gaza was already thrown into darkness on Saturday as Israeli authorities cut power to its territories.

Along with Egypt, Israel has blockaded the Gaza Strip since 2007 citing security reasons.

Israel controls the air space over Gaza and its shoreline and restricts who and what goods are allowed in and out through its border crossings. Similarly, Egypt controls who passes in and out through its border with Gaza.

 

[JennieM]

Israel will cut off supplies to Gaza - Netanyahu​

BBC

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/world-middle-east-67037895