Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 10:49am on 12 Oct 2023,Thursday International
Over 95 hostage families have been informed by the Israeli authorities that their relatives were abducted and taken into Gaza. The IDF says over 5,000 rockets have been fired into Israel since Saturday. Israel has conducted over 2,600 strikes on Gaza targets. At least 1,200 Israelis have been killed and 3,000+ injured in Hamas's weekend attacks. Amid the violence, airline group IAG, including British Airways and Aer Lingus, has canceled Israel operations for three weeks to see how the situation unfolds, per its CEO. This comes after British Airways turned back a Tel Aviv-bound plane Wednesday over security worries. The statements highlight the growing global impact and transit disruptions as the conflict escalates, with mass casualties and expanded bombardments from both sides.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 10:14am on 12 Oct 2023,Thursday International
The ICRC said the humanitarian misery caused by the escalating crisis is abhorrent, imploring both sides to reduce civilian suffering. With Gaza's hospitals running out of fuel in a matter of hours now, newborns and elderly patients are at risk as equipment stops functioning, causing hospitals to risk becoming morgues. Gazan families already lack access to clean water. At the same time, Israeli families agonize over abducted loved ones. Taking hostages violates international law, and they must be released immediately. The ICRC is contacting Hamas and Israeli officials, ready to visit hostages, facilitate communication with families, and enable any release. All parties must act to decrease hardship for civilians in Gaza and captive Israelis.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 09:38am on 12 Oct 2023,Thursday International
More than 338,000 people have been displaced in the Gaza Strip due to heavy Israeli bombardments, according to the United Nations. The number of displaced individuals increased by 75,000 within 24 hours, reaching 338,934, as Israel continued its attacks in response to Hamas' surprise assault. Israeli forces reported 1,200 casualties, mainly civilians, making it the country's deadliest onslaught. UNRWA-run schools are sheltering nearly 220,000 displaced people, with additional individuals seeking refuge in Palestinian Authority schools and other facilities. The ongoing bombing campaign has severely damaged housing units and essential civilian infrastructure, including sewage facilities, raising health concerns.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 09:15am on 12 Oct 2023,Thursday International
Israel's Energy Minister said the Gaza siege will continue until Israeli hostages are freed, vowing no electricity, water or fuel until "abductees" are released. This comes as US Secretary of State Blinken arrives in Israel, set to meet officials and Palestinian President Abbas. With Gaza's sole power plant shut amid fuel shortages after Israel cut supplies post-attack, the ICRC warns hospitals risk becoming morgues as generators also need fuel. Most electricity came from Israel before being halted, leaving Gaza relying on shrinking generator supplies. The statements highlight the dire humanitarian situation worsening in Gaza as Israel keeps up pressure seeking hostage release.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 08:47am on 12 Oct 2023,Thursday International
The first flight repatriating Indians from Israel amid the conflict will depart Tel Aviv for Delhi tonight carrying around 230 citizens. Many returning are students at Israeli institutions who received embassy emails about the chartered evacuation flight. The government is bearing the flight cost with no fare for returnees. As fighting intensifies with nearly 4,000 dead, India launched Operation Ajay to airlift citizens and set up 24/7 embassy helplines. The embassy has advised Indians to stay calm and follow security guidance amid the violence. Tonight's flight signals India's efforts to safely bring back nationals stranded by the war are underway. [Image of Indian students: Shared by Indian Embassy in Tel Aviv]
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 08:40am on 12 Oct 2023,Thursday International
Egypt reportedly warned Israel three days in advance of a potential large-scale attack by Hamas, according to the chairman of the US House Foreign Affairs Committee, Michael McCaul. He revealed the warning after a closed-door intelligence briefing, suggesting the attack might have been planned up to a year ago. Egypt had warned Israel about the volatile situation in Gaza, hinting at an imminent explosion. Hamas' coordinated assault, resulting in over 1,200 Israeli casualties, marked a significant intelligence failure for Israel.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:16am on 12 Oct 2023,Thursday International
US President Biden condemns the Hamas attack on Israel as a campaign of brutal cruelty expressing his shock at the terrorists beheading children. Biden said: "This attack was a campaign of brutal cruelty and I never really thought I would confirm pictures of terrorists beheading children." He describes the attack as the "deadliest day" for Jews since the Holocaust, highlighting the deep scars of antisemitism and genocide. Biden reaffirms unwavering support for Israel, denouncing terrorism and vowing to combat antisemitism. He discusses ongoing talks with Israeli leaders and global counterparts, emphasizing America's commitment to Israel's security. Biden pledges to work tirelessly, assist Israel, and ensure the safety of Americans affected by the crisis.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:05am on 12 Oct 2023,Thursday International
Amidst the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict, a video featuring Hamas Commander Mahmoud al-Zahar has surfaced, where he asserts Hamas' ambitions for global domination, stating "Israel is only the first target. The entire planet will be under our law." This alarming message comes as Israel intensifies its fight against Hamas. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirmed his commitment to defeating Hamas, declaring every member of the group as "a dead man." Israel has formed an emergency unity government, emphasizing unity in the face of the crisis. The conflict has left Gaza's 2.3 million people trapped, lacking electricity and water, with nowhere to escape.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 09:01pm on 11 Oct 2023,Wednesday International
British Airways suspended flights to Israel after turning back a plane from Tel Aviv amid security concerns over Hamas rocket fire. Israel's airport authority said rockets were flying around Tel Aviv but not an immediate threat when BA165 was approaching. Virgin Atlantic also halted Tel Aviv flights as airlines prioritize safety. BA said it is monitoring the situation closely and contacting affected customers about refunds or rebooking. Many carriers have suspended Israel flights since Hamas attacked last Saturday, making bookings increasingly difficult. A travel agent said they've been inundated with calls from people trying to return to the UK. The US is working on safe civilian passage from Israel and Egypt as violence escalates, with 11 UN staff killed in Gaza.
Watch: while UK FM @JamesCleverly visits Ofakim in southern Israel, a siren goes off warning of incoming Hamas rocket fire.
— Israel ישראל 🇮🇱 (@Israel) October 11, 2023
This is the reality Israelis live with every day. pic.twitter.com/QF4C4tReqL
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 08:43pm on 11 Oct 2023,Wednesday International
British Foreign Minister James Cleverly had to take cover during a visit to southern Israel as air raid sirens sounded, warning of incoming Hamas rocket fire. The video showed Cleverly's group rushing into a building for safety. He arrived to demonstrate the UK's solidarity with Israel after Hamas's attack. A spokesperson said Cleverly would meet attack survivors and leaders to outline the UK's support for Israel's right to self-defense. The incident occurred as Israel bombed Gaza ahead of a potential ground offensive, while Western allies like the UK condemned Hamas's attack.