Israel - Palestinian militants launch massive attack, 7 Oct 2023 #4

[JennieM]

6 min ago

Spain prepared to send more humanitarian aid to Gaza when corridors open​

From CNN’s Alex Hardie and Claudia Rebaza in London

Spain supports the existence of "humanitarian corridors because it is imperative that humanitarian aid, which these days is more necessary than ever, reaches the civil population in Gaza,” said Foreign Affairs Minister José Manuel Albares.

“Spain is ready, and its cooperation is totally prepared, to participate as soon as humanitarian aid can arrive,” he told reporters Tuesday.

“In fact, we are not only maintaining it, but we have increased it with a first package of 1 million euros. More will come, because unfortunately everything signals that new packages will be needed,” Albares added.

Live updates: Israel-Hamas war rages as crisis in Gaza deepens

US President Joe Biden will visit Israel on Wednesday as he seeks to demonstrate staunch support for the country while also pressing for ways to ease humanitarian suffering in Gaza. Follow here for the latest.

edition.cnn.com

 

[JennieM]

2m ago
The spokesperson for the Israel Defence Force has posted to social media to say that “an alert was activated in the north of the country” and it is under review.

US president’s visit to Jordan cancelled – as it happened

This blog is now closed.

www.theguardian.com

 

[Momoffourboys]

Five graves: The Kutz family members were murdered together in a house in Kfar Gaza, found embraced together in bed, and were also buried together – the parents of Benat and Aviv, and the children Rotem, Yonatan, and Yiftach

https://x.com/ynetnews/status/1714272513990222043?s=20

 

[JennieM]

3m ago

Ben Quinn
UK lawmaker Layla Moran has told of her fears for relatives in the GazaStrip, who she said were unable to move to safety inside what she described as an “open-air prison”.

Moran is a member of parliament for the Liberal Democrat party, the fourth largest in the house of commons, and the party’s foreign affairs spokesperson. She became the UK’s first MP of Palestinian heritage when she was elected in 2017, and said extended family had been forced to seek sanctuary in a church after their house was hit by an Israeli bomb following the Hamas attacks.

Making a plea for the opening of humanitarian corridors, Moran said it was impossible for her elderly relatives to move to a place of safety where they would not be caught up in Israeli strikes on Hamas targets.

“That’s the problem with the geography of Gaza as a whole. It’s essentially an open prison, so you wouldn’t be able to move easily from one place to another,” she said. “They have heard that there are convoys of people trying to move that have also been hit and they just don’t feel it’s safe to move.”

Moran, whose immediate family are Palestinian Christians in the West Bank, and who has extended family in Gaza, said she and her sister were attempting to get news of their relatives every day. They were running out of food and had already been reduced to drinking dirty water.

Read more of Ben Quinn’s report here: UK lawmaker Layla Moran fears for relatives in Gaza Strip

US president’s visit to Jordan cancelled – as it happened

This blog is now closed.

www.theguardian.com

 

[JennieM]

31 min ago

Biden thinks it is "exactly the right time to go to Israel," White House official says ahead of visit​

United States President Joe Biden "believes that this is exactly the right time to go to Israel and to go to Jordan," National Security Council Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby said Tuesday, previewing the president’s visit to the region, which is set for Wednesday.

Biden will "speak to other leaders in the region about the humanitarian assistance that we want to make sure it gets into Gaza, about Israeli plans and intentions going forward, how this is unfolding on the ground, and absolutely to continue to talk to regional partners, about those hostages and getting and see if we can getting them home back to their families where they belong," Kirby told CNN.

The US does not want this conflict to "escalate and widen," he said.

"We don't want to see this conflict escalate and widen; there are no plans or intentions to put US boots on the ground in combat in Israel — everything we're doing right now is about sending a strong signal of deterrence," he said.

Biden will also keep US hostages high on his agenda, which "will be represented in virtually every conversation that he has: with Israeli officials, including the prime minister, as well as President (Abdel Fattah el-Sisi) of Egypt, President (Mahmoud) Abbas of the Palestinian Authority and certainly King Abdullah of Jordan,” Kirby said.

The US continues to believe that a handful of Americans were taken hostage by Hamas, but there is nothing known about the conditions of the captives, a US official told CNN.


57 min ago

Hamas says Biden "fell for the Israeli narrative" ahead of high-stakes visit​

From CNN's Eyad Kourdi

On the eve of his visit to Israel, Hamas on Tuesday accused US President Joe Biden of falling “for the Israeli narrative," calling the United States "a culprit in this war against our people."

Hazem Qassem, the spokesperson for Hamas, said the US stance toward the Palestinian people was “aggressive” and claimed that Biden’s visit was aimed at providing financial and moral support to Israel while encouraging the latter to "commit more massacres against Palestinians."

Qassem told CNN in a telephone interview:

"Unfortunately the US administration and the US President Biden took a very aggressive measure against the Palestinian people and fell for the Israeli narrative. His visit is only to support the Israelis financially and morally and to encourage the occupation to commit more massacres against our Palestinian brothers and sisters, children and the elderly."

A significant number of casualties in Israeli airstrikes on Tuesday were individuals who had fled from northern areas of Gaza to the south, Qassem said. Two-thirds of the casualties were women and children, he said.

CNN is unable to verify those figures independently.

Live updates: Israel-Hamas war rages as crisis in Gaza deepens

US President Joe Biden will visit Israel on Wednesday as he seeks to demonstrate staunch support for the country while also pressing for ways to ease humanitarian suffering in Gaza. Follow here for the latest.

edition.cnn.com

 

[justtrish]

Either way the people of Gaza are doomed.

I agree. They are literally stuck in the middle.

The thing HAMAS is counting on though is the world's reaction to no supplies being allowed in. It is not their fault in the world's eyes.. it's Israel's fault or Egypt, or everyone else but them. They can push their propaganda that Israel is bombing the crossing, Egypt won't allow the crossing to open, etc. People forgetting that HAMAS begin this horrific ordeal and they can somehow look better because they will release hostages if Israel stops bombing, if supplies are allowed in, etc. They are likely the ones causing the supplies to not be in Gaza yet. This is what frustrates me.. the media jumps on all these sensational headlines and Israel ends up looking like the bad guys.

 

[JennieM]

2h ago
The UK prime minister’s office has urged Israel to allow water into Gaza, while still refusing to clarify whether it believes the tactic to shut off the supply was in line with international law.

PA Media reports the prime minister’s official spokesperson told journalists: “We continue to urge Israel as a democracy we work closely with to act within international law in their actions, I think they are taking steps to do that.

“We are in discussions and are keen to see water restored to the area.

“We want to do everything possible to relieve the unfolding humanitarian issues in Gaza. Water is an important part of that.”

Earlier a spokesperson for the UN human rights office said it was concerned that the Israeli military’s evacuation order combined with a complete siege of Gaza may amount to the crime against humanity of “a forcible transfer of civilians”.

In another development in the UK, the prime minister, Rishi Sunak, is said to have told his cabinet that Hamas was responsible for the “murder and suspected abduction of British nationals”.

Asked if it is believed that some of the 10 missing British citizens may have been kidnapped, the PM’s official spokesperson said: “It’s a dynamic situation. I think, sadly, the full details of this attack are still becoming clear.”

US president’s visit to Jordan cancelled – as it happened

This blog is now closed.

www.theguardian.com

 

[Momoffourboys]

30 French, American doctors and paramedics arrive in Israel to volunteer​

30 French, American doctors and paramedics arrive in Israel to volunteer

* * *

www.timesofisrael.com

 

[PommyMommy]

Live updates: Hamas releases hostage video, Gaza aid deal hopes rise, Biden plans Israel visit (nbcnews.com)
1h ago / 5:25 AM PDT

Israeli army spokesman says next phase of war may be different from expectations​

The Israeli military is getting ready for the next phase of its campaign against the Gaza Strip but plans may not conform to widespread expectations of an imminent ground offensive, an army spokesperson said today.

“We are preparing for the next stages of war. We haven’t said what they will be. Everybody’s talking about the ground offensive. It might be something different,” Lt. Col. Richard Hecht told a regular briefing with reporters.

 

[PommyMommy]

This is Hamas’ organizational hierarchy—its leadership is in control of Gaza.

This is who’s responsible for Hamas' attacks against Israeli civilians.

We know who you are.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1714213357396296183

 

[JennieM]

Latest pictures from southern Gaza​

People in the south of Gaza are searching through the rubble again today after more strikes hit buildings in Khan Younis and Rafah last night.

UN agencies say the territory is barrelling towards catastrophe and supplies are dwindling fast. We've been having a look at some of the latest pictures from there.

Reuters
A man cries as he looks at a building destroyed in Khan YounisImage

Reuters
The UN says the Israeli air force continued to strike in Khan Younis and other southern areas despite the directive for people in Gaza to move southImage

Reuters
Khan Younis is typically home to 400,000 people, but now an estimated one million people are there after 600,000 people fled southImage

Reuters
Also from Khan Younis, a group of men try to move concrete from a fallen buildingImage

Getty Images
Strikes also hit Rafah, which thousands had flocked to expecting the border crossing to open. It remains closedImage

Getty Images
A man carries a crying girl through a street in RafahImage

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/world-middle-east-67119233

 

[JennieM]

15 min ago

The number of French citizens killed rises to 21​

At least 21 French citizens have been killed following the Hamas attacks on Israel on October 7, the French Foreign Ministry said in a news release Tuesday.
Eleven others are still missing, the ministry said. French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna met with the families of those still missing in Tel Aviv on Sunday.

Live updates: Israel-Hamas war rages as crisis in Gaza deepens

US President Joe Biden will visit Israel on Wednesday as he seeks to demonstrate staunch support for the country while also pressing for ways to ease humanitarian suffering in Gaza. Follow here for the latest.

edition.cnn.com

 

[PommyMommy]

Meet Ismail Haniyeh, leader of the Hamas terrorist organization.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1714275857790091479

 

[JennieM]

What's happened so far today?​

• The World Health Organization said it needed urgent access to the Gaza Strip to deliver medical supplies and aid as all access remained closed, including via Egypt’s Rafah crossing in the south
• Hundreds of thousands of people have arrived in Khan Younis in southern Gaza after Israel told 1.1 million people to south ahead of an expected ground invasion. Such an invasion is yet to happen yet - the BBC's Lyse Doucet has explained why
• An Israeli military spokesman has denied there's a humanitarian crisis, despite desperate scenes in Gaza and warnings from the UN as Israel blocks supplies of food, water, fuel, and electricity
• Several world leaders have confirmed they're heading to the region - including US President Joe Biden, who will visit Israel tomorrow, and Germany's Olaf Scholz, who is visiting today
• Meanwhile, a 13-year-old British girl is confirmed to have been killed by Hamas militants when they attacked Kibbutz Be'eri on 7 October - read more here
• And France has condemned a hostage video from Hamas of Israeli-French national Mia Shem, 21, in which she is seen with an injured arm and asking in Hebrew to be returned as quickly as possible to her family

Still have questions about the conflict? We've answered some of the most commons ones here.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/world-middle-east-67119233

 

[PommyMommy]

Live updates: Hamas releases hostage video, Gaza aid deal hopes rise, Biden plans Israel visit (nbcnews.com)
3m ago / 6:54 AM PDT

Health officials in Gaza issue 'urgent distress call' for diesel to save lives​

Health officials in Gaza have issued an "urgent distress call" to all owners of gas stations and "everyone who has any diesel" to save the lives of the "wounded and the sick."

Israel cut all fuel supplies, along with water, food and electricity to Gaza, as part of its complete blockade more than a week ago, leaving the enclave’s health system on the brink of collapse.

Some organizations have called the situation a humanitarian catastrophe, and the U.S. and Israel have agreed to discuss how to get aid to Gaza.

 

[Vern]

UN warns Israel over possible war crime​

The UN is again pleading for aid agencies to gain access to Gaza, and warning of possible war crimes.

Ravina Shamdasani, spokeswoman for the UN high commissioner for human rights, says the organisation is "concerned" that the Israeli military's demand that Palestinians move from northern Gaza to the south could amount to the "forcible transfer of civilians - in breach of international law".

If a country is believed to have committed a war crime during conflict, the case can be looked at by the International Criminal Court (ICC) - the Palestinians are members, but Israel is not.

In a statement, Shamdasani adds that attacks on civilians - while attempting to flee the necessary parts of Gaza - must be investigated independently.

She also appeals for the "immediate and unconditional" release of all Israeli hostages, with the latest Israeli reports indicating around 199 are being held.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/world-middle-east-67119233

Here we go again with the but Hunter Biden's laptop Israel.

Has the UN yet warned, or convened a tribunal, to investigate the war crimes conducted by Hamas on behalf of Palestine (who did sign those Conventions BTW) in the intentional targetting of civilians (war crime 1). Israel has yet to intentionly target civilians.

There has been no "forcible transfer" of civilians in breach of international law by Israel. NONE. Gazans were asked to evacuate for their own safety to south of the Wadi. That's within their own territory and voluntary (but 'smart' to do).

Has the UN yet warned, or convened a tribunal, to investigate the war crimes conducted by Hamas on behalf of Palestine by taking of hostages (war crime 2); or

Has the UN yet warned, or convened a tribunal, to investigate the war crimes conducted by Hamas on behalf of Palestine who actually effected the "forcible transfers of civilians - in breach of international law" from Israel to Gaza? That's war crime 3 and I can list a whole bunch more.

If so, I haven't seen it published out there yet. But, Israel ... (where's the rolly eyes icon when I need it?)

 

[JennieM]

BBC correspondents answer your questions on the conflict between Israel and Hamas​

Could this lead to World War Three?​

What was Hamas's goal with their attack?​

Why is Egypt keeping the crossing closed?​

Why is the UN not intervening on air strikes?​

How did Israel not know about Hamas's attack?​

[Much more at link.]

Week 2: BBC correspondents answer your questions on the conflict between Israel and Hamas

Our correspondents answer your questions on the conflict between Israel and Hamas.

www.bbc.co.uk

 

[PommyMommy]

9min ago

Chief of Hamas military brigade killed in Israeli airstrike in Gaza​

The Hamas terror group announces the death of a senior member in an Israeli airstrike in the Gaza Strip.

In a statement, Hamas says Ayman Nofal, a member of the terror group’s General Military Council and the head of its military wing’s Central Gaza Brigade, was killed in a strike in the Bureij refugee camp.

The Israel Defense Forces has not yet commented on the apparent assassination.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1714270722825293939

 

[PommyMommy]

19min ago

Hanegbi says issue of Israeli hostages in Gaza is ‘central part’ of every discussion​

National Security Council chief Tzachi Hanegbi says that the issue of the at least 200 hostages being held in Gaza is a top priority for Israel, including in discussions with foreign groups about humanitarian aid.

In a press briefing to reporters, Hanegbi says that the issue of the captives “is a central part of every discussion over humanitarian aid.” However he would not confirm or deny the existence of any talks or negotiations to free the hostages.

Hanegbi also says Hamas is trying to prevent residents of Gaza from evacuating southward as it wants to use them as “a human shield.”

The official thanks Biden for his upcoming flash visit tomorrow “in order to be with us in difficult times” as well as the ongoing US assurances that it will supply with Israel will all needed aid.

And Hanegbi warns that the IDF will take out every single Hamas member who took part in the murderous rampage in southern Israel on October 7: “We will find them and we will kill them.”

 

[JennieM]

Here we go again with the but Hunter Biden's laptop Israel.

Has the UN yet warned, or convened a tribunal, to investigate the war crimes (1st one) conducted by Hamas on behalf of Palestine (who did sign those Conventions BTW) in the intentional targetting of civilians. Israel has yet to intentionly target civilians.

There has been no "forcible transfer" of civilians in breach of international law by Israel. NONE. Gazans were asked to evacuate for their own safety to south of the Wadi. That's within their own territory and voluntary.

Has the UN yet warned, or convened a tribunal, to investigate the war crimes conducted by Hamas on behalf of Palestine by taking of hostages (war crime 2); or

Has the UN yet warned, or convened a tribunal, to investigate the war crimes conducted by Hamas on behalf of Palestine who actually effected the "forcible transfers of civilians - in breach of international law" from Israel to Gaza? That's the 3rd ad I can ist a whole bunch more.

If so, I haven't seen it published out there yet. But, Israel ... (where's the rolly eyes icon when I need it?)

I think I remember posting some investigations are underway. Either in this thread or the previous one.