Though the exact number of Israeli civilians and soldiers taken hostage by Palestinian militants remains unclear, the Israeli Embassy in the US tweeted that the figure is around 100. It also claimed over 300 Israelis killed and 1800+ injured in the conflict. Gaza authorities said Israeli airstrikes have killed 256 Palestinians, including 20 children, with 1788 wounded in 24 hours. This followed Israel's bombing of Hamas sites in Gaza, flattening buildings. Information from Gaza remains scarce though social media showed destroyed structures and displaced citizens. The hostage crisis along with hundreds of casualties underscores the high human toll as the worst Israel-Hamas flareup continues.

Gaza's health ministry reported 256 Palestinians including 20 children died in Israeli airstrikes over 24 hours, with 1788 injured. This followed Israel's bombing of multiple Hamas sites across Gaza, releasing footage of the strikes. Sparse information is emerging from Gaza but social media showed destroyed buildings, flattened religious places, and people taking shelter in hospitals. Some visuals displayed areas reduced to rubble from the Israeli raids. Meanwhile, Israel has started evacuating its citizens as hostilities rage. The Palestinian death toll highlights the devastation wreaked by Israeli bombardment even as ground fighting continues between its forces and Hamas.

Amid Hamas tensions, cross-border firing occurred between Israel and Lebanon's Hezbollah. Israel said it struck Hezbollah posts in Har Dov after the group claimed the artillery attack on the Israel-claimed Shebba farms. Hezbollah stated it had targeted Israeli radar sites. Earlier, Israel shelled Lebanon after mortars hit its Shebaa military position. Meanwhile, China expressed deep concern over the Israel-Hamas tensions and violence. It called for restraint, immediate de-escalation, and urgent international efforts for enduring peace. Over 250 have died as Israel bombed Gaza after Hamas militants took Israelis hostage. The flare-up with Lebanon highlights the risks of the conflict spreading as China emphasized the need for urgent steps to defuse regional tensions.

Bollywood actor Nushrratt Bharuccha, who got stranded in Israel during the Hamas terrorist attack, is being brought back safely to India with embassy assistance as her team lost contact earlier. Nushrratt was in Haifa for the screening of her film 'Akelli' at a film festival before the conflict erupted. Her team later confirmed she had been contacted and was on a connecting flight home with more details withheld for safety. Nearly 500 have died so far as Hamas fired rockets on Israeli cities and Tel Aviv counterstruck Gaza. The Indian embassy in Israel has asked its citizens to remain vigilant and observe safety protocols as advised by local authorities. 

The Israeli Air Force released footage of its strikes on buildings in the Gaza Strip housing Hamas' military infrastructure. Israel said its fighter jets are attacking the militant group's operational facilities. Over 250 have died in Israel's retaliatory raids per officials. PM Netanyahu said Israel entered a "difficult war" after Hamas' unprecedented attack. Explosions rocked Gaza's Watan Tower in the Israeli strikes seeking to destroy Hamas' infrastructure. The Israel Defense Forces says it is carrying out artillery strikes in Lebanon following "shooting carried out a few minutes ago into Israeli territory". Hamas militants continue fighting Israeli defense forces in southern Israel. With over 230 Gazans dead in Israeli bombing, Hamas was warned to take shelter ahead of further strikes. The severe escalation has killed hundreds as Israel vows to pummel Hamas in the raging conflict.

Over 500 have been killed on both sides as fighting intensified between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas. Hamas fighters breached Gaza's barrier and attacked Israeli towns and military sites. Israel vowed to use full force to destroy Hamas in retaliation. Hamas called on Palestinian resistance to joining its 'Operation Al-Aqsa Flood'. With significant casualties, Israel said Hamas terrorists massacred civilians after invading the country. As the death toll crossed 500, the Indian embassy in Israel advised Indians to exercise caution and follow local protocols amid the severe escalation. The US backed Israel while the UN Security Council called an emergency meeting over the raging Israel-Hamas conflict.

US President Joe Biden told Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu that America stands ready to provide all appropriate assistance to Israel following Hamas' attack. Biden stated Israel has the right to defend itself while warning others against exploiting the situation. Netanyahu thanked Biden for the unreserved backing and said a prolonged campaign, which Israel will win, is needed. The call signals US support for staunch ally Israel as it vows retaliation after Gaza rockets killed 22 Israelis. Biden's assurance of aid underscores America's commitment to Israel's security amid the severe flare-up with Hamas.

27 Christian pilgrims from Meghalaya are stranded in Bethlehem, Jerusalem amid escalating clashes between Israel and Palestine. Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma said he is seeking help from the Ministry of External Affairs to ensure their safe return. The group had traveled to Jerusalem for a holy pilgrimage. With tensions rising after Hamas launched deadly attacks on Israel, prompting retaliation, the pilgrims are stuck in the conflict zone. Jerusalem is an important religious destination for Christians from Meghalaya. Sangma said he was in touch with the MEA to arrange the safe passage of the 27 pilgrims back home as the situation deteriorates.

Brazil has announced it will convene an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council in response to the deadly attack on Israel by Hamas militants. Brazil, which currently holds the Council's rotating presidency, strongly condemned the assault in a statement expressing solidarity with Israel. It also reaffirmed commitment to a two-state solution to the conflict. At least 40 Israelis were killed in the unprecedented rocket barrage from Gaza. Israel has declared a state of war and vowed retaliation against Hamas. As tensions escalate, Brazil is calling the UN session as part of urgent diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the crisis. 

Air India has cancelled flights between Delhi and Tel Aviv on October 7 in the wake of the deadly attack on Israel by Hamas militants. An Air India spokesperson said the flights were cancelled "in the interests and safety of our guests and crew". The flights affected are AI139 from Delhi to Tel Aviv and the return AI140 from Tel Aviv to Delhi. The spokesperson said Air India is providing "all support" to affected passengers as per their requirements. The move comes after Hamas launched unprecedented rocket attacks on Israel, prompting the country to declare a state of war. At least 40 Israelis were killed in the assault.