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.

The Lebanese group Hezbollah launched anti-tank missiles at an Israeli army post on the northern border on Wednesday. Israel responded with a drone strike on a Hezbollah post amid ongoing clashes following Hamas's Gaza attack. Hezbollah claimed the missile attack was retaliation for Israel killing 3 of its members in strikes on Monday after earlier border incidents. Hezbollah said its missiles caused many Israeli casualties, but Israel said it struck back at the source of fire and at a Hezbollah post, without initial casualty details. Meanwhile, a false rocket alarm sounded in an Israeli village on the tense border. The flare-up highlights rising tensions as conflict persists between Israel and Hamas militant groups in Gaza and beyond.

Gaza's sole power station shut down as fuel ran out, affecting essential services including hospitals now limiting work to life-saving care per the Hamas-run health ministry. The blackout comes amid an escalating humanitarian crisis after Israel cut electricity supplies. Earlier, there were reports of potential infiltrations from Lebanon by Hezbollah, prompting armed residents. Claims of an aerial infiltration by paragliders caused alarms which the Israeli military now believes was a false alarm upon checking. The total power shutdown and infiltration reports highlight the heightened tensions, security fears, and worsening humanitarian situation as the Israel-Hamas conflict continues to take a devastating toll on Gaza.

Israel's PM Benjamin Netanyahu announced an emergency unity government on Wednesday with opposition leader Benny Gantz for the duration of the Gaza conflict. The emergency government includes a three-member war cabinet of Netanyahu, Gantz and the defense minister. Two opposition figures will serve as observers. Netanyahu agreed to freeze a divisive judicial overhaul that had sparked mass protests. The unity government allows Netanyahu to bring the opposition onboard to manage the crisis without his far-right allies. Forming an emergency administration with Gantz provides Netanyahu political cover amid challenges of the Gaza war.

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu compared Hamas to ISIS, saying the group is "worse than ISIS" while sharing graphic images of killings by Hamas. This comes as Israel continues heavy airstrikes and has imposed a siege on Gaza, cutting power, food and fuel. Over 1,200 Israelis and 1,000 Palestinians have died since Hamas' attack on Saturday. Israel's military chief said forces are targeting Hamas leaders in Gaza, even with restrictions. Meanwhile, Gaza's sole power plant shut down with supplies cut off. Netanyahu's statement equating Hamas with ISIS underscores Israel's intent to deal a decisive blow to the militant group.

British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly traveled to Israel on Wednesday to demonstrate the UK's unwavering solidarity with Israel after deadly attacks by Hamas. Cleverly will be meeting attack survivors and Israeli leaders to outline Britain's support for Israel's right to self-defense. The visit comes as Israel bombs Gaza ahead of a potential ground operation against Hamas, which launched surprise attacks in Israel over the weekend that killed hundreds. Along with Western allies, the UK has expressed steadfast backing of Israel and condemned Hamas amid the escalating violence. Earlier the BBC reported seventeen British nationals including children were dead or missing in Israel.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken will travel to Israel on Wednesday in a show of support following the major Hamas attack over the weekend that killed over 1,200 Israelis. Blinken will meet with Israeli leaders to convey solidarity and hear about their needs for US assistance. Hamas launched the surprise assault on Saturday, also seizing hostages, prompting Israeli airstrikes on Gaza that have killed over 1,000. With thousands dead and over 180,000 homeless in Gaza, Blinken's visit demonstrates US backing of Israel as it responds to the unprecedented Hamas attack.

India has set up a 24/7 emergency helpline for its citizens in Palestine as the conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza escalates. The Indian embassy announced that Indians in Palestine can contact the helpline for any emergency assistance needed. This comes as Israel pounds Gaza with airstrikes after Hamas launched rocket attacks on Saturday, killing hundreds in Israel. With Gaza districts reduced to rubble and thousands dead, India has established the round-the-clock hotline to aid its citizens amid the dire situation.

As the Israel-Hamas conflict intensifies, Google CEO Sundar Pichai said he is deeply saddened by the "terrorist attacks in Israel" and escalating clashes in a post. Google has two offices and over 2000 employees in Israel. Pichai stated their immediate focus since Saturday has been employee safety and they have contacted all local staff to support them. He added Google is working to provide reliable information through its products and share cyber activity seen by experts. Pichai expressed Google will support humanitarian groups on the ground. 

Pope Francis called for the immediate release of hostages in the Israel-Hamas fighting and expressed concern over the siege of Gaza. He said attacked parties have a right to defend themselves but warned against revenge and hatred fueling more suffering. The pope said terrorism and extremism don't aid peace between Israelis and Palestinians, only justice, dialogue and fraternity can. As the death toll sharply rose with Israel's bombardment and Hamas' assault, Francis said the region needs peace not war. His plea underscored alarm over the human impact of the conflict that has killed over 2,100 amid a mounting casualty toll and humanitarian crisis.