Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 02:21pm on 10 Oct 2023,Tuesday International
Hamas issued a new threat on Tuesday telling residents of the Israeli coastal city of Ashkelon to evacuate by 5pm local time. This came as rocket sirens were sounding in Tel Aviv and across Israel amidst unrelenting rocket fire from Gaza. Over 4,500 rockets have been fired at Israel since Hamas launched major attacks on Saturday. Meanwhile, Israel warned Hamas has "nowhere to hide" in Gaza as it continues heavy airstrikes, even as the UN called for a humanitarian corridor. With vital supplies cut off, Hamas' latest specific threat against an Israeli city further escalates tensions.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 02:05pm on 10 Oct 2023,Tuesday International
Actor Nushrratt Bharuccha recalled the "36 hours" she spent stranded in Israel after Hamas' surprise attack as the "most unforgettable and daunting" period of her life. She was in Israel for a film festival but got stuck amidst the escalating Israel-Palestine conflict. In an Instagram video, she said the past week, especially the last 36 hours, will be deeply imprinted in her memory as an emotional rollercoaster. Bharuccha landed back in Mumbai on Sunday after being unable to leave Israel. She described the time stranded as challenging, underscoring the harrowing experiences faced by visitors caught in conflict zones.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 12:39pm on 10 Oct 2023,Tuesday International
Russian President Vladimir Putin stated the sharp escalation of the Israel-Palestinian conflict exemplifies the failure of US policy in the Middle East. Talking to the visiting Iraqi PM, Putin said Washington tried monopolizing the search for a settlement in the region. Earlier, Kremlin spokesperson Peskov said Russia is talking to both sides to help find a solution. He confirmed a planned visit by Palestinian leader Abbas to Moscow. Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Lavrov said creating a Palestinian state living beside Israel is the "most reliable" path for peace, as fighting terrorism alone won't ensure security. Russia portrays the crisis as a result of flawed US policies while positioning itself as a mediator.
Bedbugs on the Victoria line, it’s so over pic.twitter.com/E8XKYH63gs
— notbri.sol (@Xhakaed) October 7, 2023
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 12:10pm on 10 Oct 2023,Tuesday International
London Mayor Sadiq Khan said the threat of bedbugs on the Tube is a "real source of concern" after isolated sightings emerged on social media. A viral video showed an insect on a passenger's leg on the Victoria line. Khan said TfL is monitoring the situation, communicating with Paris which has outbreaks, and ensuring cleaning regimes, but there's no complacency. Though one expert said the online video doesn't appear authentic, Khan acknowledges public worries over potential infestations after bedbugs swarmed Paris transport. He reassured that TfL has best practices for nightly cleaning and asset monitoring, aiming to prevent London's transit from facing issues plaguing Paris.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 11:53am on 10 Oct 2023,Tuesday International
UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has warned that anyone in Britain found supporting Hamas following the attack on Israel will be held accountable. He said police were advised to ensure community safety and clamp down on unlawful behavior. Sunak said “I’d just remind everyone that Hamas is a proscribed terrorist organisation. People should not be supporting Hamas and we will make sure that we hold people to account if they are.” He also said the government is ready to assist any UK citizens needing help, working closely with Israel to determine the situation and provide support where required.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 11:34am on 10 Oct 2023,Tuesday International
The World Health Organization has joined calls for a humanitarian corridor into Gaza following Israel cutting off fuel, electricity and water supplies to the territory. This comes after UNICEF also urged such a corridor amid the conflict. Additionally, the UN human rights chief Volker Türk, while condemning Hamas' attacks, said Israel's siege of Gaza violates international law. The appeals underscore growing concerns over health and humanitarian impacts as vital supplies are severed and Gaza becomes isolated by Israel's blockade following intense fighting. WHO and UN officials warn the situation could precipitate a humanitarian crisis without urgent access.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 11:21am on 10 Oct 2023,Tuesday International
A wave of pro-Hamas hacking attacks has targeted Israeli sites amid the conflict, adding a cyber dimension. Early preparation by Palestinians included Gaza group Storm-1133 hitting Israeli energy, defense and telecom firms. Supporters from Middle East nations have also started attacking Indian government websites after India backed Israel. Indian threat intel provider Falconfeeds found over 100 small non-governmental sites defaced daily. Some government sites hit were Punjab, NITI Aayog, Karnataka Bank, Haryana govt, Income Tax department and Tamil Nadu govt. Hacker groups included TIGER_CYBER_TEAM, MOROCCAN_BLACK_CYBER_ARMY, TEAMHEROX and others. The attacks underscore pro-Palestinian cyber operations against Israeli and Indian targets.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 10:33am on 10 Oct 2023,Tuesday International
Former adult film star Mia Khalifa stirred controversy with tweets about the Israel-Gaza war, saying "If you can look at the situation in Palestine and not be on the side of Palestinians, then you are on the wrong side of apartheid, and history will show that in time." She also wrote that 'freedom fighter' in Palestine should "flip their phones and film horizontal." Her post angered many, resulting in a business deal's cancellation by Canadian broadcaster Todd Shapiro. Shapiro called her tweet "beyond disgusting" and terminated their arrangement, saying she should "become a better human." Shapiro condemned her for condoning death, rape, and hostage-taking in ignorance. Additionally, Playboy severed ties with Khalifa over her "disgusting and reprehensible" comments celebrating Hamas attacks, deleting her creator channel. Khalifa faced major backlash for insensitive tweets amid the tragic Israel-Hamas conflict
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 10:21am on 10 Oct 2023,Tuesday International
U.S. General Charles Brown warned Iran not to get involved in the Israel crisis and said he doesn't want the conflict to broaden, as Hezbollah fired rockets into northern Israel. The White House said Iran is complicit despite no evidence of direct involvement in Hamas attacks. When asked his message to Iran, Brown said "Not to get involved." Shelling on Lebanon killed 3 Hezbollah militants and an Israeli officer, expanding the Israel-Gaza conflict. Brown said the U.S. aims to send Iran a strong message not to broaden the crisis. The U.S. is surging fresh security assistance to Israel to help respond to Hamas's unprecedented attack.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 09:47am on 10 Oct 2023,Tuesday International
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said on Tuesday that Tehran was not involved in the major Hamas attack on Israel over the weekend that killed hundreds. However, he praised the assault, saying it caused irreparable damage to Israel's military and intelligence capabilities. Israel has long accused Iran of supporting Hamas, which Tehran denies beyond moral and financial backing. Khamenei's comments come as Israel continues heavy airstrikes on Gaza after regaining control of the border area. The U.S. has also warned Iran not to get drawn into the escalating crisis between Israel and Hamas.