Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 03:42pm on 16 Oct 2023,Monday International
the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared a looming catastrophe in the Gaza Strip, with only "24 hours of water, electricity, and fuel left." WHO's Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean, Ahmed Al-Mandhari, emphasized the urgent need for aid, stating that the bombarded and besieged territory must be allowed to receive convoys of aid. These crucial supplies are currently stuck at the Rafah border crossing with Egypt, raising fears of a deepening humanitarian crisis in the region. The international community anxiously awaits action to prevent further suffering among Gaza's vulnerable population.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 01:50pm on 16 Oct 2023,Monday International
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak slammed anti-Semitic acts at pro-Palestinian protests, after 15 arrests were made at a London march. He called the incidents "not acceptable" and said more arrests may come as footage is reviewed. Tens of thousands demonstrated Saturday backing Palestinians, amid rising anti-Semitism since the start of the Israel-Hamas war. Sunak vowed to keep the Jewish community safe and said glorifying the banned Hamas group could bring 14-year jail terms. While general Palestinian support is not criminal, backing Hamas is illegal, police noted. Sunak pledged to combat anti-Semitism as hate crimes spike following the conflict.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 12:51pm on 16 Oct 2023,Monday International
Reporting from Zikim on the Israel-Gaza border, Shorts91 brings exclusive visuals of Israel's military buildup, with hundreds of tanks massed as the army prepares for a major ground offensive against Hamas. It appears inevitable Israel will launch its largest Gaza ground incursion in decades. IDF said it's finalizing plans for a coordinated land, sea and air attack. Shorts91 saw IDF commanders surveying the territory from helicopters to plan the advance of ground forces. The New York Times reported that the operation will focus on Gaza City as the hub of Hamas rule. And the IDF Spokesman Daniel Hagari, urging residents to evacuate, warned on Saturday night that the IDF would be striking Gaza City “widely” and “soon.”
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 08:25am on 16 Oct 2023,Monday International
As Israel prepares for a possible ground invasion of Gaza, Iran warned against further Israeli "aggressions" saying regional tensions could spiral out of control. With over 2,670 Palestinians killed, including 700 children, Iran's foreign minister said "hands are on the trigger" for armed conflict. He called for an immediate halt to attacks on Gaza civilians. Israel cut utilities to Gaza but restored southern water supply. The U.S. voiced concern about the war expanding, given Iran's support for Hamas. Israel sent forces to the Lebanon border after fire from Iran-backed Hezbollah. Iran warned no one can prevent the conflict's escalation if Israeli attacks persist.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 08:14am on 16 Oct 2023,Monday International
Two Israeli women security officers of Indian origin were killed in the recent attack by Palestinian militant group Hamas, officials and community members confirmed. Lieutenant Or Moses, 22, and Inspector Kim Dokraker were among the Israeli defense personnel killed in the October 7 attack. So far, over 330 Israeli soldiers and officers have died. One survivor, 24-year-old Shahaf Talker, shared her harrowing account of being shot at while trying to flee with a friend. The Indian-origin community in Israel continues to mourn even as the identification of victims and search for missing persons continues. The unprecedented Hamas strike has claimed a huge toll on the country's defense forces.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:57am on 16 Oct 2023,Monday International
A 71-year-old Illinois man was charged with a hate crime for allegedly stabbing a 6-year-old Muslim boy to death and seriously injuring the boy's mother. Police say the suspect targeted the victims due to their Islamic faith and as a response to the Israel-Hamas conflict. The attack comes amid heightened alert for hate crimes against Jews and Muslims. The boy, identified as Palestinian-American Wadea Al-Fayoume, was stabbed dozens of times. The Council on American-Islamic Relations condemned the "worst nightmare" crime and cited text messages showing the attacker's anti-Muslim remarks.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:42am on 16 Oct 2023,Monday International
Hundreds lined up at the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt, as Israel denied reaching any ceasefire agreement to allow civilians to escape the conflict zone. With air and ground assaults intensifying after Hamas rocket attacks killed 1,300 Israelis, Gaza's death toll has climbed to 2,670. Israel's PM denied reports that a truce was reached to pause attacks and open borders for evacuations. Gaza, under Israeli blockade by land, air and sea, has two exits, including Rafah into Egypt. As crowds grow at the crossing, no evacuation agreement has been confirmed amid the denials.
Brief by Short91 Newsdesk / 05:38am on 16 Oct 2023,Monday International
The Palestinian Authority's official news agency, WAFA, published remarks by President Mahmoud Abbas criticizing Hamas for its actions during the recent Gaza conflict. However, the reference to Hamas was later removed without explanation. The original report stated that Hamas's policies do not represent the Palestinian people, but this was altered to emphasize the PLO's (Palestine Liberation Organisation) representation without mentioning Hamas. The change raised questions about the motive behind the edit. President Abbas, in a call with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, expressed rejection of civilian casualties and called for the release of prisoners amid ongoing violence.
Brief by Short91 Newsdesk / 04:52am on 16 Oct 2023,Monday International
Amidst the escalating Israel-Hamas conflict, US President Joe Biden emphasized the need for a "path to a Palestinian state" while urging the destruction of Gaza-based Hamas. He warned against Israel re-occupying Gaza, calling it a "big mistake." Israeli forces, backed by US warships, positioned along Gaza's border, preparing for a broad campaign against Hamas. Despite week-long airstrikes demolishing neighborhoods, militant rocket fire persists. The conflict's tenth day saw fresh airstrikes in Gaza, with casualties reported near al-Quds Hospital. The Gaza health ministry revealed 2,670 Palestinians killed and 9,600 wounded, marking the deadliest of the five Gaza wars for both sides.
Brief by Short91 Newsdesk / 04:17am on 16 Oct 2023,Monday International
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have seized a significant cache of intelligence materials belonging to Hamas terrorists. The IDF's Document Collection and Technological Gathering Division, aided by the Yahalom Combat Engineering Unit, discovered encrypted phones, documents, and attack plans. These revealed detailed schemes targeting Israeli communities near the Gaza Strip, demonstrating Hamas' intent to harm civilians and soldiers. Special forces located explosives in nearby areas, while IDF observers from the Gaza Division played a vital role in detecting and neutralizing terrorists approaching Israeli territory. The IDF remains vigilant, thwarting potential attacks and ensuring the safety of Israeli civilians.