Israel - Palestinian militants launch massive attack, 7 Oct 2023 #3

[PommyMommy]

Israel-Hamas war live updates: Israel says it’s preparing Gaza ground attack (nbcnews.com)
2m ago / 3:28 PM PDT

FBI director: Threats related to the war are on the rise in the U.S.​

FBI Director Christopher Wray told a gathering of police chiefs today that threats related to the Middle East's latest warring factions are on the rise in the United States.

In prepared remarks to the 2023 International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) Conference in San Diego, Wray said the Hamas attacks and the subsequent war may be inspiring threats and hatred.

NBC News has not immediately determined if the remarks were delivered as planned.

"In this heightened environment, there’s no question we’re seeing an increase in reported threats, and we have to be on the lookout, especially for lone actors who may take inspiration from recent events to commit violence of their own," the FBI director said in the prepared version of his words.

He asked for vigilance among the chiefs and the departments they lead.

"As the first line of defense in protecting our communities, you’re often the first to see the signs that someone may be mobilizing to violence.”

NBC affiliate WGAL of Lancaster, Pennsylvania reported that a demonstration in the state capital to bring attention to the plight of the residents of Gaza and the occupied territories was interrupted by a man in a vehicle who allegedly brandished a firearm and yelled racial slurs.

The station said Pennsylvania Capitol Police is investigating the incident at the Harrisburg Rally for Palestine as a possible hate crime. The Philadelphia chapter of Council on American-Islamic Relations urged authorities to prosecute the man in the vehicle for alleged hate crimes.

Pennsylvania Capitol Police did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

 

[PommyMommy]

Israel-Hamas war live updates: Israel says it’s preparing Gaza ground attack (nbcnews.com)
1m ago / 3:31 PM PDT

'Israel needs to protect its people,' rabbi says​

Joshua Davidson, a senior rabbi at Temple Emanu-el in New York City, today described Israel’s attacks on the Gaza Strip as a “necessary act of self defense.”

“The message to the Jewish community and all who are friends in the Jewish community and supporters of Israel is the need for solidarity. Israel needs to be able to defend itself. It’s bombing of Gaza. It’s probable ground invasion of Gaza, is not retaliation," said Davison. "It’s not some cathartic act of vengeance. It’s a necessary act of self-defense. Nothing would make us happier than if Hamas laid down their weapons and marched out of Gaza with their hands in the air. But in all likelihood, that’s not going to happen. Israel needs to protect its people.”

Renat Lifshitz of New York says the war is affecting even the small details of daily life for Jews everywhere.

“There’s a lot of fear. There’s fear now more than ever since the Holocaust. I feel like this is the fear in New York, Israel, Florida, and all over the world. It’s like everyone is afraid to walk around, people are afraid to wear their Jewish Star," Lifshitz said. "The other day I was afraid to order an Uber because my name is Jewish and Israeli, and God forbid the Uber driver says are you Jewish and I’m going to kill you, so yeah it’s extremely terrifying, it’s extremely hurtful, everyone makes us feel so hated now and days.”

 

[SkyBoomer]

Israel-Hamas war live updates: Israel says it’s preparing Gaza ground attack (nbcnews.com)
1m ago / 3:31 PM PDT

'Israel needs to protect its people,' rabbi says​

Joshua Davidson, a senior rabbi at Temple Emanu-el in New York City, today described Israel’s attacks on the Gaza Strip as a “necessary act of self defense.”

“The message to the Jewish community and all who are friends in the Jewish community and supporters of Israel is the need for solidarity. Israel needs to be able to defend itself. It’s bombing of Gaza. It’s probable ground invasion of Gaza, is not retaliation," said Davison. "It’s not some cathartic act of vengeance. It’s a necessary act of self-defense. Nothing would make us happier than if Hamas laid down their weapons and marched out of Gaza with their hands in the air. But in all likelihood, that’s not going to happen. Israel needs to protect its people.”

Renat Lifshitz of New York says the war is affecting even the small details of daily life for Jews everywhere.

“There’s a lot of fear. There’s fear now more than ever since the Holocaust. I feel like this is the fear in New York, Israel, Florida, and all over the world. It’s like everyone is afraid to walk around, people are afraid to wear their Jewish Star," Lifshitz said. "The other day I was afraid to order an Uber because my name is Jewish and Israeli, and God forbid the Uber driver says are you Jewish and I’m going to kill you, so yeah it’s extremely terrifying, it’s extremely hurtful, everyone makes us feel so hated now and days.”

My name is German-Jewish, so I have had those same worries and have kept a low profile except for going to vote this morning.

 

[JennieM]

35s ago

World Health Organization says evacuating Gaza patients "tantamount to a death sentence"​

The World Health Organization has issued a statement condemning Israel’s orders of the evacuation of 22 hospitals in northern Gaza that are treating over 2,000 inpatients.

In a statement on Saturday, the WHO warned that the “forced evacuations of patients and health workers will further worsen the current humanitarian and public health catastrophe.”

“The lives of many critically ill and fragile patients hang in the balance: those in intensive care or who rely on life support; patients undergoing hemodialysis; newborns in incubators; women with complications of pregnancy, and others all face imminent deterioration of their condition or death if they are forced to move and are cut off from life-saving medical attention while being evacuated,” the WHO said.
“Hospital directors and health workers are now facing an agonizing choice: abandon critically ill patients amid a bombing campaign, put their own lives at risk while remaining on site to treat patients, or endanger their patients’ lives while attempting to transport them to facilities that have no capacity to receive them.
Overwhelmingly, caregivers have chosen to stay behind and honor their oaths as health professionals to “do no harm,” rather than risk moving their critically ill patients during evacuations. Health workers should never have to make such impossible choices,” it added.

It went on to urge Israel to immediately reverse evacuation orders to hospitals in northern Gaza.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1713277138437038573

300 Palestinians killed in past 24 hours, health ministry reports – as it happened

Israeli PM posts video to troops saying ‘we are all ready’

www.theguardian.com

 

[PommyMommy]

1:35 am

US sending second aircraft carrier to Mideast to deter Iran, Hezbollah — report​

The USS Eisenhower off the coast of Virginia, December 10, 2015 in the Atlantic Ocean. (Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images)

The United States will soon be sending a second aircraft carrier to the eastern Mediterranean to deter Iran and Hezbollah from attacking Israel in the wake of the war against Gaza’s Hamas terror group, ABC reports, citing two unnamed US officials.

The report says the Pentagon has ordered that the USS Eisenhower join the USS Ford, the latter of which is in international waters off Israel’s coast.

US media reports additionally that the USS Bataan amphibious assault ship will be deployed closer to Israel.

 

[Momoffourboys]

They are NOT pro Hamas IMO.
They are pro Palestine.
Palestine for all nations living there.

People want PEACE!!!!!!

Is it too MUCH to ask and hope for???

You don’t think the rallies on Friday “Hamas Day of Rage“ were pro Hamas?

I would LOVE to ask and hope for peace.
It is becoming more and more difficult to remain optimistic with so much hatred.

Hamas 'Day of Rage' protests break out in Middle East and beyond​

Israelis have been urged to take extra caution.

Hamas 'Day of Rage' protests break out in Middle East and beyond

Pro-Palestinian protests broke out across the Middle East and beyond on Friday after a former Hamas leader called on supporters to join in a "Day of Rage."

abcnews.go.com

 

[Friday Fan]

I think this is the kind of cooperation Egypt wants to be producing: Shipping and storage of humanitarian supplies to be sent into Gaza and used there.

I also think they will do just about anything to avoid having to accept Gaza refugees onto their soil, ending up with a chronic refugee camp of hundreds of thousands of exiles, just as Turkey has ended up with hundreds of thousands of Syrian refugees.

And I don't think Iran cares at all about the civilians in Gaza, or what their fate is, or who has to take care of the problem.

I don't think Iran cares at all. Gazans are Arabs.

 

[PommyMommy]

Israel-Hamas war live updates: Israel says it’s preparing Gaza ground attack (nbcnews.com)
1m ago / 3:39 PM PDT

Family of missing Israeli festivalgoer pleads for her safe return (Video)​

Sharona Shmunis Harel was celebrating her 40th birthday at a music festival when Hamas militants began their violent attacks in South Israel.

Her brother-in-law Ohad Harel now says her family believes she is among the Israeli hostages and they are desperately pleading for her return.

Read more about the Hamas’ terror attack on an Israeli music festival.

 

[Momoffourboys]

Israelis are returning home from all around the world: 'There is no choice, we have to figh May God bless you all! Here is the full story: https://bit.ly/3RYarWp

 

[Brightchaser47]

You don’t think the rallies on Friday “Hamas Day of Rage“ were pro Hamas?

I would LOVE to ask and hope for peace.
It is becoming more and more difficult to remain optimistic with so much hatred.

Hamas 'Day of Rage' protests break out in Middle East and beyond​

Israelis have been urged to take extra caution.

Hamas 'Day of Rage' protests break out in Middle East and beyond

Pro-Palestinian protests broke out across the Middle East and beyond on Friday after a former Hamas leader called on supporters to join in a "Day of Rage."

abcnews.go.com

I'm a bit confused. Are you guys referring to one particular protest, or the protests in general?

 

[SkyBoomer]

Israelis are returning home from all around the world: 'There is no choice, we have to figh May God bless you all! Here is the full story: https://bit.ly/3RYarWp

I am so worried for them.

 

[Momoffourboys]

I am so worried for them.

Me too. For everyone.

 

[JennieM]

8 min ago

UAE president and Blinken discuss civilian protection and urgent humanitarian corridors to Gaza​

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met Saturday with United Arab Emirates President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to address the pressing need for civilian protection and the opening of humanitarian corridors to Gaza, UAE state news outlet WAM said in a statement.

Both leaders stressed the urgency of delivering medical and relief aid while calling for an immediate end to hostilities, WAM added.

They also discussed diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation in the region and reiterated their commitment to achieving comprehensive peace and regional stability.

Live updates: Israel-Hamas war rages as Palestinian death toll in Gaza rises

Israel's military has warned 1.1 million people living in northern Gaza to evacuate amid signs Israel could ramp up its retaliatory offensive against Hamas following the group's October 7 terror attacks. Follow live updates here.

edition.cnn.com

 

[lonetraveler]

44sec ago

Netanyahu tours scenes of Hamas assault for first time​

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu toured Kibbutz Be’eri and Kibbutz Kfar Azza, two of the worst hit Gaza border communities in last week’s bloody Hamas onslaught, his office announces once he has left the area.

A short statement says Netanyahu “walked between the ruins of the houses where these terrible massacres took place.”

The prime minister was briefed by IDF officers currently there, including from the head of the paratrooper battalion.

This visit was Netanyahu’s first to the scene, more than a week after the massacres that saw more than 1,300 Israelis killed, most of them civilians, as waves of Hamas terrorists breached the border.

Netanyahu has come under increasing criticism for not coming to the scene, attending funerals or visiting the wounded.

Israel-Hamas war live: two safe routes open for people fleeing northern Gaza, says Israel, as UN warns water running out (theguardian.com)
7m ago10.42 EDT

'Next stage is coming,' Netanyahu tells troops​

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu told troops today that “the next stage is coming.”

The Israeli leader was speaking in southern Israel, in a video posted by his office.

JMO but I feel sure that Netanyahu has been extremely busy.

 

[JennieM]

Israel assault not imminent - ex-US general​

A retired US lieutenant general has told the BBC an Israeli ground invasion into Gaza is unlikely to be imminent because of the degree of preparation required for such an operation.

Lt Gen Mark Schwarz, who is also the former US security co-ordinator for Israel and the Palestinian Authority, says the Israeli military's final preparations are probably "a few days away, if not hours away".

The logistical sustainment of such an operation - such as the number of casualties the Israeli military is likely to sustain - is difficult to predict, he says.

An operation into Gaza such as the one being planned would take "several weeks, but I believe it's going to be months", as the stated aim of wiping out Hamas's military capabilities would take that long, he adds.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/world-middle-east-67108364

 

[Eli9]

You don’t think the rallies on Friday “Hamas Day of Rage“ were pro Hamas?

I would LOVE to ask and hope for peace.
It is becoming more and more difficult to remain optimistic with so much hatred.

Hamas 'Day of Rage' protests break out in Middle East and beyond​

Israelis have been urged to take extra caution.

Hamas 'Day of Rage' protests break out in Middle East and beyond

Pro-Palestinian protests broke out across the Middle East and beyond on Friday after a former Hamas leader called on supporters to join in a "Day of Rage."

abcnews.go.com

Hamas called for a day of Jihad (holy war). The media renamed it Day of Rage to make them sound more like the victim. Palestinians are the victims of Hamas.

 

[Momoffourboys]

Belgian MP @MichaelFreilich
has publicly commended the decision to shut down an online payment account previously connected to Gaza Now, a news platform and Telegram group tied to Hamas.

https://x.com/Jerusalem_Post/status/1713319565810171921?s=20

 

[PommyMommy]

Israel-Hamas war live updates: Israel says it’s preparing Gaza ground attack (nbcnews.com)
6m ago / 3:46 PM PDT

‘I really have to go’: NYC man goes back to Israel to fight Hamas​

NEAR THE GAZA BORDER, Israel — When the 40-year-old Israeli-American father of three, living in New York City, was called back by Israel’s military after Hamas’ terror attacks on the country, he could have avoided it.

“But I really have to go,” Capt. Shai, who asked that his first name not be used, told NBC News at an Israeli military training camp in southern Israel.

“They took hostages — women, children and grandparents, back to Gaza,” the father of three said. “And at that moment, I knew I have to go back.”

Israel called up more than 300,000 reservists after Hamas’ unprecedented terror attack on the country, which killed more than 1,300 people in Israel. Israel’s military said it is preparing for a ground offensive into Gaza.

Airstrikes in Gaza have killed more than 2,200 people in the densely populated enclave, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry.

Capt. Shai said he feels bad for the plight of Palestinian civilians. “There are many Palestinians in Gaza that are innocent, that didn’t do these attacks necessarily,” he said. “But Hamas is holding them captive.”

“This is unprecedented. We’re at war,” he said. “And so, we always try to minimize civilian casualties. Always. That’s the way we operate. But at the same time, we have to understand that they’re not giving us another choice.”

 

[PommyMommy]

Live updates: Israel-Hamas war rages as Palestinian death toll in Gaza rises (cnn.com)
4 min ago

Israel says it will ramp up its war with Hamas. Here's what you need to know​

Israel’s military says it is preparing for the "next stages of the war" against Hamas, with troops gearing up for "strikes from the air, sea and land" and "significant ground operations."

Signs have been growing throughout the week Israel could launch an invasion of Gaza, the densely populated enclave run by Hamas, the Palestinian militant group that carried out devastating terror attacks in Israel on October 7.

Meanwhile, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza is deepening, as evacuating residents face a dangerous trek when they try to flee the violence.

Here are some of the latest developments:

The Israeli military's announcement:

• Israel, which has massed troops and military equipment at the border with Gaza, says its ramped up offensive will feature hundreds of thousands of drafted reservists and encompass "a wide range of operational offensive plans."
• In addition to widespread airstrikes, Israel's army is preparing troops for an "expanded arena of combat," the military's statement said. The preparations have placed "an emphasis on significant ground operations."

What would a ground invasion look like?

• Israel’s tactics have always been to move quickly and control as much territory as possible, but avoid street-to-street, house-to-house fighting where a weaker opponent can take full advantage of the terrain, CNN's Ben Wedeman writes. Entering urban areas in Gaza, however, would bring a new element to the fight.
• Hamas has shown a level of military capability far beyond what was previously thought, and is probably well-prepared for the next phase of the war, Wedeman's analysis notes.
• Israeli forces will also have to be mindful dozens of Hamas hostages – both soldiers and civilians, including women and children – are being held in the crowded enclave. Although no one outside Hamas knows where they’re being held, it’s likely they’re in the most difficult areas for Israeli forces to access, possibly in refugee camps, Wedeman writes.

The crisis unfolding in Gaza:

• Tens of thousands of Palestinians have been fleeing south through the battered streets of Gaza after the Israeli military told them to leave northern areas of the strip for their safety.
• Parts of the south are becoming even more crowded and overstretched, Gazans say, as waves of Palestinians abandon their homes. The World Health Organization said Israel's call for mass evacuations amounts to "a death sentence for the sick and injured" at crowded hospitals in northern Gaza.
• Israel has pounded the territory with airstrikes since Hamas launched its terror attacks last week, and has also ordered a "complete siege," cutting off access to electricity, fuel, food, medicine and water.
• More airplanes carrying aid from Jordan, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, the World Health Organization and the Red Cross have arrived at Egypt's El-Arish Airport Saturday, but Jordanian and Egyptian officials have said they are still trying to secure safe passage for the supplies.

Diplomatic efforts continue:

• US President Joe Biden has spoken to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas to discuss security and efforts to prevent the conflict from widening.
• Secretary of State Antony Blinken has met with leaders in the surrounding region, in an effort to address civilian protection, humanitarian aid and the need to prevent further escalation in the region.

 

[margarita25]

Israel-Hamas war live updates: Israel says it’s preparing Gaza ground attack (nbcnews.com)
1m ago / 3:39 PM PDT

Family of missing Israeli festivalgoer pleads for her safe return (Video)​

Sharona Shmunis Harel was celebrating her 40th birthday at a music festival when Hamas militants began their violent attacks in South Israel.

Her brother-in-law Ohad Harel now says her family believes she is among the Israeli hostages and they are desperately pleading for her return.

Read more about the Hamas’ terror attack on an Israeli music festival.

1 day ago: