In the wake of Hamas' deadly assault on Israel that killed around 40, world leaders overwhelmingly condemned the Palestinian group while voicing solidarity with Israel. Prime Minister Modi said he was "deeply shocked" by the "terrorist attacks" and that India stood with Israel. British PM Sunak called them "appalling attacks" by Hamas, affirming Israel's right to defend itself. Turkey, Egypt and the EU urged restraint by both sides. French President Macron and German FM Baerbock strongly condemned Hamas. Global leaders stood united in denouncing the attacks and supporting Israel's right to retaliate against the unprecedented rocket barrage from Gaza.

The White House said the US "unequivocally condemned" the "unprovoked attacks" by Hamas against Israel that killed at least 40 people. In a strong show of support, the US said it "stands firmly" with Israel following the militant group's surprise assault which included gunmen infiltrating towns. National security advisor Jake Sullivan was in close contact with Israeli partners. Israel Prime Minister Netanyahu vowed retaliation, saying Hamas would "pay a price." The US extended its condolences to Israel for lives lost and reiterated its firm backing of the country as it deals with the aftermath of the attacks.

Israel's Ambassador to India, Naor Gilon, expressed gratitude for India's strong moral backing after Hamas' rocket and ground attacks from Gaza killed many Israelis. He stated Israel will retaliate and prevent repeat of such atrocities. Gilon's remarks follow PM Modi conveying solidarity with Israel. Meanwhile, the UK updated its travel advice for Israel and Palestine after PM Netanyahu declared a war footing following Hamas' surprise multi-pronged assault. As Israel vows to heavily strike back, envoy Gilon underscored India's significance as a staunch partner for Israel facing its worst conflict with Palestinians in years.

Palestinian militant organization Hamas has released a video allegedly showing its Gaza fighters capturing three Israeli civilians. Signboards suggested it was filmed at the Israel-Gaza Erez crossing. Other visuals circulated showed dead bodies in military uniforms and on a highway. The footage's authenticity is unverified. This comes as Hamas fired thousands of rockets into Israel, which responded with airstrikes after declaring a state of war. Israel reported 22 killed so far. Hamas claimed the rocket barrage was retaliation for Israeli actions against Palestinians. The video signals an escalation, but Israel hasn't confirmed Hamas has taken civilians hostage amid the severe flare-up in violence. (Screen Grab from Video Posted by @Ytirawi on X)

A strong 6.3 magnitude earthquake struck western Afghanistan on Saturday, killing at least 14 people and injuring over 70 so far. The epicenter was near the city of Herat, where buildings collapsed and residents fled outside in panic. Aftershocks continued for over an hour. Officials fear casualties could rise sharply as assessments come in from remote mountainous areas. Hundreds may be killed according to USGS, which termed it a potentially widespread disaster. Last year, over 1000 died in a quake in Paktika province. Afghanistan's terrain makes it prone to frequent seismic activity and damage. This latest powerful tremor has brought further suffering to the crisis-hit nation.

India has issued an advisory for its nationals in Israel to remain vigilant and exercise caution following a major rocket attack on Israel by Hamas militants in Gaza. The advisory comes after Israel declared a 'state of war' and launched retaliatory strikes. It asks Indians to follow safety protocols, avoid unnecessary movement, and stay near shelters. This follows Hamas' surprise 'first strike' on Israel, with PM Netanyahu vowing a decisive response that the enemy has never known. India's Embassy remains available to provide any guidance. The advisory signals India's concern for its citizens amid the rapidly escalating Israel-Gaza conflict.

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared "we are at war" after Palestinian militant group Hamas launched a surprise rocket attack from Gaza. Hundreds of rockets targeted Israel in the morning assault described by Netanyahu as "murderous." He convened security heads, ordered military reserves mobilized and pledged a retaliatory war with unprecedented strength against Hamas. Netanyahu stated Israel will cleanse infiltrators and make the enemy pay a never-before-seen price. He called on citizens to strictly follow army directives amid the escalating conflict. The dramatic statement signals Israel's intent for a powerful military response to Hamas' major offensive.

Israel has begun Operation 'Iron Swords' with fighter jets carrying out strikes on Hamas sites in Gaza in retaliation to the militant group's surprise rocket blitz and infiltration. Over 2200 rockets have been fired at Israel since morning by Hamas. A regional council head was killed defending a town in the fighting. Israel's defense minister said Hamas made a 'grave mistake' launching the war, vowing victory. Knesset opposition leaders fully backed the military action and called on the global community to condemn Hamas' terror acts. Earlier, Hamas gunmen had infiltrated Israel, taking over homes and shooting in streets in a major escalation, feared to have killed many Israeli civilians, numbers are not clear so far.

Dozens of Hamas militants infiltrated Israel in a surprise attack with videos showing them shooting in the streets. At least 1 Israeli woman has been killed so far by intense Gaza rocket fire reaching as far as Jerusalem. Various social media videos appear to show dozens of civilians have been killed by Hamas and bodies being paraded. Houses in Sderot were reportedly taken over by Hamas gunmen who remain at large. The infiltration and rocket attack occurred after dawn following the Sukkot holiday, catching Israelis off guard. Hamas military commander said over 5000 rockets were fired to launch 'Operation Al-Aqsa Storm' in a broadcast speech. Israel stated it would defend citizens and make Hamas pay heavily. The militant attack sparked an emergency security meeting as Hamas vowed to continue strikes in a major escalation.

Israel has declared a 'state of war' after Gaza-based Hamas militants launched over 5000 rockets into the country in what they called a first strike. Loud sirens blared across Israel as visuals showed Hamas fighters infiltrating using paragliders. This marks a major escalation in the long-running Israel-Palestine conflict. Hamas' armed wing said its 'Operation Al-Aqsa Flood' is meant to end Israel's crimes and rampaging with impunity. Multiple impact points were reported across Israel including Jerusalem on the holiday morning. Israel's defense forces called it a terrorist attack and asked residents near Gaza to stay indoors amid the fierce rocket barrage.