Israel - Palestinian militants launch massive attack, 7 Oct 2023 #6

[JennieM]

1h ago

The first Palestinian American to serve as a congressman on the US Capitol is mourning the loss of several family members who were killed at the Greek Orthodox Church in Gaza that was reportedly struck by Israel.

Writing on X, Justin Amash shared the loss of his relatives, saying:

I was really worried about this. With great sadness, I have now confirmed that several of my relatives … were killed at Saint Porphyrius Orthodox Church in Gaza, where they had been sheltering, when part of the complex was destroyed as the result of an Israeli airstrike.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1715470077196194068

Israel-Hamas war live: strikes on Gaza to increase from today, Israeli spokesperson says

Israeli Rear Adm Daniel Hagari said: ‘We will deepen our attacks to minimize the dangers to our forces in the next stages of the war.’

www.theguardian.com

 

[JennieM]

Israel warns of increased strikes after aid reaches Gaza​

Sam Hancock
Live reporter


[…] here's a quick reminder of where things stand:

• Israeli military spokesman Daniel Hagari has said strikes targeting Hamas will "deepen" and "increase" - and warned residents still in Gaza City to move to the south of the region for their own safety
• The BBC's Paul Adams reports that leaflets have been dropped over Gaza, telling those who remain in the north that they may end up being seen as an accomplice to Hamas
• Also today we saw the first trucks carrying aid into Gaza enter from Egypt, delivering Palestinians much-needed food, water and medical supplies - but not fuel
• The UN called the aid given a "drop in the ocean" of what's actually needed
• It's two weeks since Hamas launched its assault on Israel, killing more than 1,400 people. The Hamas-run health ministry says more than 4,000 have been killed in Gaza since then

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/world-middle-east-67165505

 

[JennieM]

10:16 pm BST

President Biden speaks with two freed hostages

President Joe Biden has spoken on the phone with two freed Americans who had been held hostage by Hamas in Gaza.

Judith Raanan and her 17-year-old daughter, Natalie, were released Friday. It was the first such hostage release from among the roughly 200 people the militant group abducted from Israel during its Oct. 7 rampage.

Biden spoke with them in a video posted Saturday on the X platform, formerly known as Twitter. He told the women that he was glad they had been released.
“We’re going to get them all out, God willing,” he said.

Natalie thanked Biden for his “services” to Israel. Judith said they are in good health.
Hamas said it released the mother and daughter for humanitarian reasons in an agreement with the Qatari government.

Family members have said Judith and Natalie had been on a trip from their home in the Chicago suburb of Evanston to Israel to celebrate Judith’s mother’s birthday and the Jewish holidays.

Israel Hamas war live updates: Israel escalates its bombardment of Palestinians in Gaza

More than 1 million Palestinians, roughly half of Gaza’s population, have fled homes in the north and Gaza City after Israel told them to evacuate.

apnews.com

 

[PommyMommy]

Israel-Hamas war live updates: Relief over hostage release; aid crosses into Gaza from Egypt (nbcnews.com)
1m ago / 3:19 PM PDT

Bipartisan Senate delegation travels to Middle East​

Sens. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., and Ben Cardin, D-Md., led a meeting today with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Saudi Arabia to advance U.S.-Saudi interests and discuss the escalating war between Israel and Hamas.

The bipartisan delegation of 10 U.S. senators also spoke about the need for humanitarian assistance in Gaza and how best to promote peace and stability amid fears of a widening conflict in the region, according to a statement.

Graham had announced on NBC's "Meet the Press" that the bipartisan delegation would be traveling to Saudi Arabia and Israel.

 

[PommyMommy]

6min ago

Rocket alerts activated in pair of southern kibbutzim​

Rocket warning alerts sound in Sufa and Holit, a pair of southern kibbutzim bordering the Gaza Strip.

 

[JennieM]

9:39 pm BST

Little light, no beds, not enough anesthesia: A view from the ‘nightmare’ of Gaza’s hospitals

A Palestinian boy, wounded in Israeli bombardment on Gaza Strip, cries in a hospital in Deir al-Balah, south of the Gaza Strip, Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023. (AP Photo/Hatem Moussa)

The only thing worse than the screams of a patient undergoing surgery without enough anesthesia are the terror-stricken faces of those awaiting their turn, a 51-year-old orthopedic surgeon says.

When the Israeli bombing intensifies and the wounded swamp the Gaza City hospitals where Dr. Nidal Abed works, he treats patients wherever he can — on the floor, in the corridors, in rooms crammed with 10 patients instead of two. Without enough medical supplies, Abed makes do with whatever he can find – clothes for bandages, vinegar for antiseptic, sewing needles for surgical ones.

Hospitals in the Gaza Strip are nearing collapse under the Israeli blockade that cut power and deliveries of food and other necessities to the territory. They lack clean water. They are running out of basic items for easing pain and preventing infections. Fuel for their generators is dwindling.

▶ This is an excerpt from a full story. Continue reading here.

Israel Hamas war live updates: Israel escalates its bombardment of Palestinians in Gaza

More than 1 million Palestinians, roughly half of Gaza’s population, have fled homes in the north and Gaza City after Israel told them to evacuate.

apnews.com

 

[Sundog]

be interesting to see Biden ( or another) asked about the legality of that

I am expecting the US State Dept who monitor the IDF have already been in contact with them about that sentence in these leaflets

If the U.S. State Dept is talking with their counterpart in Israel about the leaflets, I can see them expressing their concern that they don't want Israel to lose support by this kind of messaging, but other than that, they likely see it as a strong warning to residents of North Gaza and understand why Israel is putting out this messaging.

 

[PommyMommy]

Flares are currently up over the Towns of Kfarkela, Taybeh, and Odaiseh in Southern Lebanon after being launched by the IDF.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1715852982024118665

 

[PommyMommy]

Welcome to Kibbutz Be’eri.
Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) / X (twitter.com)

https://twitter.com/x/status/1715854042193170552

 

[dotr]

11:25 pm

President of Detroit synagogue stabbed to death​

The president of a Detroit synagogue has been found stabbed to death outside her home, police and officials say.

No motive has been announced in the slaying of Samantha Woll, 40, who led the Isaac Agree Downtown Detroit Synagogue. She was found lying on the ground and unresponsive, with a trail of blood leading back to her home, according to police.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel says she is “shocked, saddened and horrified to learn of Sam’s brutal murder. Sam was as kind a person as I’ve ever known.”

Woll worked on campaigns for Nessel and was an aide to Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin, according to the Detroit Free Press.

Slotkin wrote that “in politics & in the Jewish community, she dedicated her short life to building understanding across faiths, bringing light in the face of darkness,” the Detroit News reports.

The killing comes as Jewish communities throughout the US have stepped up security amid rising interfaith tensions around the Israel-Hamas war.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1715798450938216810

MI - Samantha Woll, a Detroit synagogue president, fatally stabbed *Arrest*

"A politically connected Detroit synagogue president was found stabbed dead this morning outside her home in the city’s Lafayette Park neighborhood, east of downtown. Samantha Woll, 40, had led the Isaac Agree Downtown Detroit Synagogue since 2022 and previously worked for Congresswoman Elissa...

www.websleuths.com

 

[PommyMommy]

MI - Samantha Woll, a Detroit synagogue president, fatally stabbed *Arrest*

"A politically connected Detroit synagogue president was found stabbed dead this morning outside her home in the city’s Lafayette Park neighborhood, east of downtown. Samantha Woll, 40, had led the Isaac Agree Downtown Detroit Synagogue since 2022 and previously worked for Congresswoman Elissa...

www.websleuths.com

Thanks, @dotr!

 

[JennieM]

3m ago

A massive pro-Palestinian rally took place in Los Angeles today where spectators say at least 50,000 showed up to protest against the ongoing war.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1715835917402013700

Images posted online showed demonstrators holding signs that read, “Ceasfire now!” as well as “End Israeli occupation.”

https://twitter.com/x/status/1715850859719066095

Other demonstrators chanted, “No peace on stolen land! Justice is our demand!”

https://twitter.com/x/status/1715839764484825378

Israel-Hamas war live: strikes on Gaza to increase from today, Israeli spokesperson says

Israeli Rear Adm Daniel Hagari said: ‘We will deepen our attacks to minimize the dangers to our forces in the next stages of the war.’

www.theguardian.com

 

[MyBelle]

I don't know what their laws are there.

Canada has "Free Speech" too, but it's caveated. Hate speech (such as holocaust denial) or harassing speech can be charged as in Germany and many places in Europe etc.

Charterpedia - Section 2(b) – Freedom of expression

Department of Justice Canada's Internet site

www.justice.gc.ca

I do believe that "Anti-Semetic harassment/speech" is illegal in Israel. I don't consider that to be "patriotic" or else, but rather as "don't be anti-semetic".

It wasn't anti-Semitic hate speech that she expressed. Getting arrested for an expression of her faith along with the flag that represents her culture would be a violation of her civil rights in the U.S. and also considered police brutality.

<modsnip: Off topic>

 

[Dotta]

11:25 pm

President of Detroit synagogue stabbed to death​

The president of a Detroit synagogue has been found stabbed to death outside her home, police and officials say.

No motive has been announced in the slaying of Samantha Woll, 40, who led the Isaac Agree Downtown Detroit Synagogue. She was found lying on the ground and unresponsive, with a trail of blood leading back to her home, according to police.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel says she is “shocked, saddened and horrified to learn of Sam’s brutal murder. Sam was as kind a person as I’ve ever known.”

Woll worked on campaigns for Nessel and was an aide to Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin, according to the Detroit Free Press.

Slotkin wrote that “in politics & in the Jewish community, she dedicated her short life to building understanding across faiths, bringing light in the face of darkness,” the Detroit News reports.

The killing comes as Jewish communities throughout the US have stepped up security amid rising interfaith tensions around the Israel-Hamas war.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1715798450938216810

"She was instrumental in the founding of the Muslim-Jewish Forum of Detroit — a grassroots collective of young adults of both faiths who gather in partnership to learn, celebrate and build community together,' the glowing profile read.

She was praised for helping 'to build and deepen important relationships' between local Jewish and Muslim communities, where she hosted 'revolutionary events, including an Interfaith Iftar dinner welcoming Syrian refugees.'

'By extending her hand and creating space for connection between Muslims and Jews, she has exemplified the values of healing the world'."

RIP

Female synagogue leader, 40, is found MURDERED outside her home

Samantha Woll, 40, was discovered outside her Detroit home on Saturday morning with multiple stab wounds, with her body reportedly found after a trail of blood led to her property.

www.dailymail.co.uk

 

[JennieM]

As Egypt hosts a global summit today to discuss the escalations in Gaza, ActionAid urges world leaders to make a real difference.​

21 October 2023

For millions in Gaza, this weekend’s meeting of world leaders is the difference between life and death. It is time for world leaders to step up for the future of peace and security in the region and most importantly for 2.2 million people trapped in Gaza right now.

Leaders should call for and ensure a ceasefire is in place to protect civilians and hospitals, in accordance with international humanitarian law. Not only are hospitals treating thousands of patients, they also act as shelters for civilians fleeing Israeli bombardment.

Leaders should ensure a sustainable humanitarian corridor is opened to get through much-needed supplies to those caught up in the escalations. The current allowance of 20 trucks at the Rafah border crossing falls significantly short of what the 2.2 million population needs and is only a drop in the ocean.

Fuel needs to be part of the supplies being allowed into Gaza in order to save lives. Hospitals are in dire need of fuel to keep generators running for life-saving care and babies in incubators. Bakeries providing bread for families are also running out of fuel.

It is urgent to prioritise the rights and needs of women and girls, including the 5,500 women about to give birth in Gaza who need water, food and electricity to protect their babies' lives, as well as their own. As of today, women and children represent 70% of the Palestinian population who have been killed in the past 10 days.

[…]

The summit must go beyond calling for ceasefire and humanitarian aid. The focus now should be on a long-term solution, which includes dialogue and a comprehensive plan for the Palestinian cause that brings just and lasting peace as per the UN resolutions.

As Egypt hosts a global summit today to discuss the escalations in Gaza, ActionAid urges world leaders to make a real difference.

For millions in Gaza, this weekend’s meeting of world leaders is the difference between life and death. It is time for world leaders to step up for the future of peace and security in the region and most importantly for 2.2 million people trapped in Gaza right now.

www.actionaid.org.uk

 

[Charlot123]

BBM. Am I the only one who finds the words from the Israel PC to be a tad too authoritarian from a human rights perspective?

I didn't realize Arab citizens of Israel do not enjoy Freedom of Speech/Expression and are being arrested and detained for it. I think this could pose a problem in terms of how much $$$$ taxpayers in the U.S. are going to be willing to spend on military support for Israel's war that it claims is against Hamas but the words from the PC seem to give police the power to unfairly profile--and detain-- Palestinians.

JMO

It happens everywhere in the world where there is war. It always did, btw. To those who wonder why people don't protest injustice, anywhere, in any country - they are scared.

While I understand that today's situation in Israel may not encourage freedom of speech, one wonders if arresting a beautiful female singer who is Palestinian was that smart. What do people in the world see? They see a young woman (slightly resembling Sharon Stone) who is Palestinian. She is not a HAMAS fighter, she is not a killer, she merely expressed compassion for her people. Totally misguided anger, IMHO.

 

[JennieM]

Hostilities in the Gaza Strip and Israel | Flash Update #15​

21 Oct 2023

United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs - occupied Palestinian territory | Hostilities in the Gaza Strip and Israel | Flash Update #15

Today (21 October), the Rafah crossing with Egypt opened for the first time since 8 October, allowing the entry of 20 trucks carrying food, water and medical supplies. As stated by the UN Secretary-General, these supplies “are the difference between life and death for so many people in Gaza.”

www.ochaopt.org

 

[JennieM]

Hostilities in the Gaza Strip and Israel | Flash Update #15​

21 Oct 2023

KEY POINTS​

• Today (21 October), the Rafah crossing with Egypt opened for the first time since 8 October, allowing the entry of 20 trucks carrying food, water and medical supplies. As stated by the UN Secretary-General, these supplies “are the difference between life and death for so many people in Gaza.”
• The volume of goods that entered is equivalent to about four per cent of the daily average of imports into Gaza prior to the hostilities, and a fraction of what is needed after 13 days of complete siege. The UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator indicated that it is imperative to increase the access of aid to at least 100 trucks per day.
• Health partners have detected cases of chicken pox, scabies and diarrhea, attributable to the poor sanitation conditions and consumption of water from unsafe sources. The incidence of such diseases is expected to rise unless water and sanitation facilities are provided with electricity or fuel to resume operations. Palestinian armed groups’ indiscriminate rocket firing towards Israeli population centres continued, with no new Israeli fatalities reported (as of 21:00). Overall, about 1,400 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed in Israel, according to the Israeli authorities, the vast majority on 7 October. Israeli media reported that, as of 20 October, the names of 767 of these fatalities have been released, 22 of them children for those whose ages have been provided. The reported fatality toll is over threefold the cumulative number of Israelis killed since OCHA began recording casualties in 2005 (nearly 400).
• According to the Israeli authorities, at least 210 people are currently held captive in Gaza, including Israelis and foreign nationals. The Secretary-General has called upon Hamas to release hostages immediately and unconditionally. Two hostages with United States citizenship were released on 20 October.

[…]

United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs - occupied Palestinian territory | Hostilities in the Gaza Strip and Israel | Flash Update #15

Today (21 October), the Rafah crossing with Egypt opened for the first time since 8 October, allowing the entry of 20 trucks carrying food, water and medical supplies. As stated by the UN Secretary-General, these supplies “are the difference between life and death for so many people in Gaza.”

www.ochaopt.org

 

[Sundog]

Yeah, I just included it as it was part of the article.

I'm glad you did, that way we can trace the sources used by these media outlets.

 

[Sundog]

She has an English twitter and seems very pro-Israel.
Lots of patriotic types are mad at Netanyahu.

https://twitter.com/OrlyBarlevEng

During wartime, I think patriotic types will get behind the leaders of their country. Here in the U.S., although many don't support the current administration, they have acknowledged the hard work of Biden and Blinken and mostly get behind them.

This isn't the time for fanning the flames about people boo-ing their leaders who are doing everything they can to save the country.

JMO.