11 October 2023 • 2:38pm
2:38PM
Israel thanks Biden for arms shipment and support
Eli Cohen, the Israeli foreign minister, has thanked Joe Biden after “advanced ammunition” arrived at the Nevatim Airbase on Wednesday.
Cohen posted a picture of a billboard on X, formerly Twitter, which said: “Thank you, Mr President.”
It comes after Biden pledged to support Israel with military support on Tuesday at the White House.
2:26PM
One of three missing Austrian-Israeli citizens dead
Three Austrian-Israeli dual citizens were declared missing after Hamas’ attack on Israel over the weekend.
But the country’s foreign ministry has now confirmed one of the civilians has died.
It said in a statement: “It is our sad duty to announce that one of the three missing Austrian-Israeli dual citizens has been found dead.”
No name for the victim was provided and the circumstances of the other two remains unknown.
2:01PM
Putin says US has failed to resolve Israeli conflict
Russian President Vladimir Putin accused the United States on Wednesday of sidestepping an established process of settling the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and of trying to take matters into its own hands without resolving the fundamental issues.
Describing the violence in Israel as terrible, Putin said the conflict could not be resolved without addressing issues such as the establishment of a Palestinian state.
1:54PM
Missing Israeli-American confirmed dead
Israeli American Daniel Ben Senior, who has been missing since the Nova music festival was attacked by Hamas terrorists, has been killed.
Her father Jacob Ben Senior told CNN that he was alerted by authorities today.
Daniel Ben Senior was working at the Nova festival with a group of organisers.
1:52PM
US death toll expected to rise
The United States expects the number of Americans killed in Israel to continue to rise, State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller has said.
“Every day we get new information. Look, there’s a list of Americans who we have confirmed dead. There are Americans who remain unaccounted for. I do expect that, unfortunately, that the list of Americans who are confirmed dead will rise today,” he told CNN on Wednesday.
Work to find missing Americans is ongoing, he said, noting that “it’s a moving target all the time”.
On Tuesday, President Joe Biden said that at least 14 Americans have been killed since Saturday.
Around “20 or more” were unaccounted for as of Tuesday, national security adviser Jake Sullivan said.
1:43PM
Israeli troops take positions near Gaza
In this photograph, a soldier stands on the turret of a tank as Israeli forces take positions near the city of Sderot close to the border with Gaza.
A soldier stands on the turret of a tank
Credit: GIL COHEN-MAGEN / AFP
1:39PM
Three foreign nationals expelled from France for antisemitism
Three foreign nationals have been expelled from France for antisemitic acts or comments since the weekend, according to a government spokesperson.
Gérald Darmanin, the interior minister, said that any non-nationals accused of antisemitic acts would be immediately expelled with their resident permit card cancelled.
Since the weekend there have been around 50 antisemitic acts recorded, he added, with 20 people arrested.
1:30PM
Israel strike on Gaza kills four paramedics
Four paramedics of the Palestinian Red Crescent were killed in Israeli air strikes in the Gaza Strip on Wednesday, the humanitarian organisation said.
Three of them died when a strike “directly targeted an ambulance” of the Red Crescent north of Gaza, and the fourth in a separate strike in the east of the enclave, the aid group said.
1:22PM
1,210 Israeli civilians evacuated
A total of 1,210 Israeli civilians have been evacuated from areas close to Gaza.
1:13PM
Israeli tanks fire on Gaza
Israeli army self-propelled howitzers fire rounds near the border with Gaza in southern Israel.
An Israeli army self-propelled howitzer
Credit: JACK GUEZ / AFP
An Israeli army self-propelled howitzer
Credit: JACK GUEZ / AFP
An Israeli army self-propelled howitzer
Credit: JACK GUEZ / AFP
1:04PM
Electricity in Gaza goes out as sole power station stops working
Electricity in Gaza went out on Wednesday after the sole power station in the blockaded Palestinian enclave stopped working, Hamas media reported.
1:03PM
Civilian buildings targetted as Hamas hides inside them, IDF claims
The Israeli Defence Force has said that civilian buildings are being targeted in Gaza because Hamas assets and headquarters are hidden inside of them.
“You may have seen footage on TV or on social media and you may see a building standing and then flashes and then the building collapses and you say to yourself, well, that looks very much like a civilian building,” IDF Spokesperson Lt. Col. Jonathan Conricus said at a press briefing on Wednesday.
“What I want to tell you is that no, that isn’t a civilian building. It is a legitimate military target. And why is that? Because Hamas uses all, locates all of their offices, headquarters, their research and development and all of their other military assets, If it’s above ground, they locate themselves in civilian buildings.”
He added that Hamas “wants to disguise itself within civilian buildings” because they are “cowards”.
12:58PM
Cleverly visits Israel
Foreign minister James Cleverly travelled to Israel on Wednesday to show solidarity with the Israeli people, the British foreign office said.
“The Foreign Secretary has arrived in Israel today to demonstrate the UK’s unwavering solidarity with the Israeli people following Hamas’ terrorist attacks,” a foreign office spokesperson said.
“He will be meeting survivors of the attacks and senior Israeli leaders to outline UK support for Israel’s right to defend itself.”
12:47PM
King asks to be ‘actively updated’ on the war
The King has asked to be kept actively updated on the situation in Israel, according to reports.
He has also sent his thoughts and prayers to those impacted by the ongoing war, particularly to those who have lost loved ones.
12:45PM
Satellite pictures show destruction
Satellite pictures taken above Israel and Gaza show the sheer level of destruction levelled by Hamas terrorists.
Plumes of smoke in the border area between southern israel and the coastal Gaza Strip
Credit: Copernicus Sentinel-2 imagery/AFP via Getty Images
12:38PM
The latest from southern Israel
Our Middle East Correspondent Nataliya Vasilyeva is on the ground in southern Israel. Here is the latest update from her:
Five days into the war, a highway going south from Jerusalem was lined with several hundred cars that reservists ditched on the road to report for duty at a military base.
Former civilians, some of whom were called up as early as Saturday, were reporting for duty in their own transport, parked bumper to bumper on both sides of the road.
Yaniv, a 32-year-old man in aviator glasses, a black T-shirt and military trousers, on Wednesday morning pulled up nearby and was taking out a duffel bag with a change of clothes, a sleeping bag and Tupperware with his grandmother’s cake.
“All of the country is affected,” he told the Telegraph as he mentioned friends and acquaintances who went missing or were killed in a Hamas attack on a rave party in the south over the weekend.
He was called up on Saturday but did not need to report until Wednesday.
“We’re going to train here for one or two days and we will go to Gaza or the West Bank,” he said. “We’re always prepared.”
12:32PM
Scottish FM says wife’s family in ‘dire situation’
Humza Yousaf, Scotland’s first minister, has said that his wife’s family are in an “absolutely dire” situation while stuck in Gaza.
“We got an update from my mother-in-law this morning saying they are alive, and that’s what we needed to hear. It was a terrifying night for them,” he told Al Jazeera.
“The building they were in was shaking. The four young children were screaming throughout the night. They are down to their last supplies. The situation is absolutely dire.”
12:24PM
Seventeen British nationals feared dead or missing
Seventeen British nationals, including children, are feared dead or missing following Hamas’ brutal attack on Israel.
They are some of dozens of foreigners killed, injured or taken hostage since Saturday.
The new figure is a significant increase from the previous estimate of ten.
Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said on Tuesday that a “significant number” of British-Israeli dual nationals had been caught up in the fighting.
He said Israel’s “unique status” meant there were a large number of British-Israeli dual nationals, with Government estimates suggesting about 50,000 to 60,000 Britons are believed to be in either Israel or Gaza.
12:19PM
Shelling continues to hit Gaza
Israeli shelling of Gaza is ongoing as the ferocious fighting enters its sixth day.
Shells from Israeli bombardment land in the water in the Gaza City seaport on October 11
Credit: MAHMUD HAMS / AFP
Smoke from Israeli bombardment is pictured over the Gaza City seaport on October 11
Credit: MOHAMMED ABED / AFP
12:11PM
UN: 9 workers killed in Gaza
The United Nations has revealed that nine of its workers in Gaza have been killed by Israeli airstrikes so far.
11:55AM
Israel not acting ‘like a state’ in Gaza
Israel is not conducting itself “like a state” in the Gaza Strip, Turkey’s president said on Wednesday, as Israel pounded the territory after a Hamas onslaught.
“Israel should not forget that if it acts more like an organisation rather than a state, it’ll finish by being treated as such,” Recep Tayyip Erdogan said, attacking “shameful methods” of the Israeli army in the densely-populated Gaza Strip.
“Bombing civilian sites, killing civilians, blocking humanitarian aid and trying to present these as achievements are the acts of an organisation and not a state,” he said.
Erdogan usually uses the word “organisation” when he refers to the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), which is listed as a terror group by Turkey and its Western allies.
“We think that a war should have an ethic and that both parties should respect it. Unfortunately, this principle is gravely violated in Israel and in Gaza,” he said, denouncing the “murders of civilians on Israeli territory” and “the blind massacre of innocents in a Gaza subjected to constant bombardment”.
11:49AM
Watch: Gaza civilians pulled from rubble after Israel airstrikes
11:41AM
Gaza to run out of power within hours
The latest update from the Gaza Energy Authority has said that Gaza is set to run out of fuel within hours.
Gaza’s sole power plant, which is the only source of mains power there, will stop operating at 2pm local time (12pm BST).
11:28AM
Russia to maintain contacts with the parties to the Israel conflict
Russia will maintain contacts with both sides of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and will remain involved in its settlement, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Wednesday.
Moscow’s top priority is the safety of its citizens who are present on territories controlled by both parties, Peskov told a briefing
11:16AM
Pope urges Hamas to free hostages, says Israel has right to self-defence
Pope Francis, in his strongest comments since the start of the conflict in Gaza, on Wednesday called for the release of all hostages taken by Hamas militants and said Israel has a right to defend itself.
Speaking in a sombre voice at the end of his weekly general audience to thousands of people in St. Peter’s Square, he also expressed grave concern over Israel’s siege imposed on Gaza.
Pope Francis looks on as he leads the weekly general audience in Saint Peter’s Square
Credit: GIUSEPPE LAMI/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock
“I continue to follow, with pain and apprehension, what is happening in Israel and Palestine. So many people killed, and others wounded. I pray for those families who saw a feast day turn into a day of mourning, and I ask that the hostages be immediately released,” he said.
“It is the right of those who are attacked to defend themselves, but I am very worried by the total siege in which Palestinians live in Gaza, where there have also been many innocent victims,” he said.
11:05AM
Shapps: World must not become distracted from Ukraine
Defence Secretary Grant Shapps said it is important the world’s attention is not “distracted” away from the war in Ukraine due to the attack on Israel.
Speaking to Times Radio, Mr Shapps said UK support for Ukraine would continue, and added: “It’s very important… that the world’s attention is not distracted by what’s happening in the Middle East, vital and important and supportive as we are there. The war in Europe continues.”
He earlier told GB News: “We will not lose sight of, and will not be forgetting what is happening right here in Europe.
“And it would be a massive mistake for (Russian President) Putin to imagine for one moment that the world’s attention is in any way distracted and that should somehow give him a free hand.”
10:55AM
More than 1,000 Palestinians dead
More than 1,000 Palestinians have been killed since the war erupted on Saturday, the Palestinian health ministry has announced.
10:49AM
Almost 60 per cent of Palestinians wounded are women or children
Almost 60 per cent of those wounded in Gaza are women or children, according to the Palestinian health ministry.
“All hospital beds have been exhausted – medicines and medical consumables are running out,” a statement said.
The ministry has recorded more than 5,000 injuries. The latest update suggests more than 3,000 of these are women and children.
10:37AM
International community should maintain aid to Palestinians, Norway says
The international community should continue to provide financial aid to the Palestinian people and institutions, Norway’s Foreign Minister Anniken Huitfeldt told Reuters on Wednesday.
“As chair of the international donor group (to the Palestinians) AHLC, Norway encourages the international community to continue its financial assistance to the Palestinian people,” Huitfeldt said in a statement.
10:28AM
Pictured: Gaza faces the aftermath of Israeli attacks
People watch as a firetruck is deployed outside a burning collapsed building following Israeli bombardment in Gaza City
Credit: MOHAMMED ABED/AFP via Getty Images
Relatives react next to the bodies of Palestinians killed in Israeli strikes, at a hospital in Gaza City
Credit: REUTERS/Mohammed Salem
A man reacts outside a burning collapsed building following Israeli bombardment in Gaza City
Credit: MOHAMMED ABED / AFP
A man carries a propane gas cylinder on his back while walking through debris and destruction littering a street in the Jabalia camp for Palestinian refugees in Gaza City
Credit: MAHMUD HAMS / AFP
10:20AM
EU chief von der Leyen says Hamas attack ‘act of war’
EU chief Ursula von der Leyen said on Wednesday that the Palestinian militant group Hamas’s attack was a cold-blooded “act of war” and fully backed Israel’s right to defend itself.
Addressing the start of a meeting of European commissioners, von der Leyen also supported a full review of the EU’s multi-million-euro financial support for Palestinian projects.
10:16AM
Israeli strike hits Islamic University in Gaza
An Israeli strike has hit the Islamic University in Gaza, with the IDF claiming that it was being used by Hamas as a “training camp for military intelligence operatives”.
“A short while ago, IDF fighter jets struck an important operational and military centre for the Hamas terrorist organisation in the Gaza Strip – the Islamic University,” the IDF wrote on Twitter.
Hamas transformed an institute of knowledge into an institute of destruction.
A short while ago, the IDF struck an important Hamas operational, political and military center in Gaza—the Islamic University.
Hamas transformed a university into a training camp for weapons… pic.twitter.com/pWKxR8Dhmd
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) October 11, 2023
The IDF reported that the campus held a conference to raise funds for its activities and was used for the development and production of weapons.
“The university maintained close ties with the senior leadership of Hamas,” they wrote.
10:08AM
Sirens ring out in northern Israel
In northern Israel, sirens are sounding amid the possible threat of aerial attacks from Lebanon or Syra.
The military was warned of a possible aerial threat along the border.
It follows Hezbollah’s admission that it fired missiles into Israel earlier this morning.
10:03AM
US supplies touch down in Israel
US munitions have arrived in Israel as the country continues its battle against Hamas.
9:51AM
169 Israeli soldiers killed
At least 169 Israel soldiers have been killed since Saturday in war with Hamas, according to reports.
9:50AM
Are you returning to Israel as a reservist?
Are you returning to Israel as a reservist? Have your say by filling in the form below:
9:46AM
Hezbollah claims responsibility for missile attack on Israel
Hezbollah has claimed a missile attack that struck Israel on Wednesday.
The terrorist ground said it was a retaliation to Israeli strikes this week that killed three of its fighters.
This morning, the Israeli military said it had been hit with anti-tank fire and had attacked back.
9:28AM
Starmer: ‘Israel does have the right to besiege Gaza’
Sir Keir Starmer has said that Israel does have the right to besiege Gaza in response to Hamas’s attacks.
The Labour leader told LBC radio: “I think that Israel does have that right. It is an ongoing situation.
“Obviously everything should be done within international law, but I don’t want to step away from the core principles that Israel has a right to defend herself and Hamas bears responsibility for the terrorist acts.”
Sir Keir’s wife Victoria is Jewish, and he said they have family in Israel who are being affected by the events.
“We have extended family in Israel and this will be typical of many people in Israel, families, communities, they have a deep sense of shock at what is happening,” he said.
“Fear overladen with a real anxiety that somehow they felt that with the Israeli intelligence and security – they always know they are under threat – but they felt there was a protection there and there’s huge anxiety that on this occasion that didn’t seem to operate in the way that they wanted.”
9:21AM
Watch: Gaza paramedic cries after Israel strikes hit city
A Gaza paramedic has been videoed crying after an Israeli strike hit the city.
9:14AM
IDF striking Lebanese territory
The Israeli Defence Force is currently conducting strikes inside of Lebanese territory, according to a recent update.
“In response to the anti-tank missiles that were launched at IDF soldiers a short while ago, the IDF is currently striking in Lebanese territory,” it said.
According to reports, the attack from Lebanese territory hit close by the Israeli town of Arab al Aramshe, which lies near the Lebanese village of Dhayra.
9:09AM
Hamas are ‘human animals’, says Grant Shapps
Defence Secretary Grant Shapps suggested he agreed with the characterisation of Hamas as “human animals”, saying the attacks on Israel were not “human behaviour”.
It was put to Mr Shapps on BBC Breakfast that a top Israeli politician has signalled that his country’s retaliation will use enormous force and has described the fight as one against “human animals”, and Mr Shapps was asked if he feels those words are right.
Mr Shapps said: “Yes. I mean, if you think about what has happened, you know, families being slaughtered and babies being murdered, festival goers, this is not human behaviour to go around and do that.
“This is targeting of civilians, targeting of babies, targeting of pensioners. It’s not what Israel will now do in return which is to go after Hamas, the terrorists themselves, there is no equivalence between the two, and of course Israel has the absolute fight to defend itself.”
9:03AM
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis calls for more sanctions on Iran
Flordia Governor Ron DeSantis had called for increased sanctions against the Iranian regime following the deadly attacks by terror organisation Hamas.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis
Credit: Ronen Tivony/ZUMA Press Wire/Shutterstock
8:54AM
Israel police kill two Palestinians in east Jerusalem
Israeli border police shot dead two Palestinians in annexed east Jerusalem after they threw fireworks and rocks at fellow officers, the force said on Wednesday.
The deaths came late on Tuesday in the Silwan neighbourhood as officers were operating in the area, the border police said in a statement.
One officer was hit by fireworks, the force said.
“In response to the threat to their lives, the border police officers fired at the two assailants,” who were later confirmed dead, the statement said.
8:44AM
Gaza hospitals overwhelmed
Hospitals in Gaza are overwhelmed by casualties, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) warned on Wednesday.
Avril Benoît, executive director of MSF-USA, said Gaza was seeing “seeing shortages of water, electricity, and fuel, which hospitals rely on for their generators”.
“Some hospitals only have enough fuel for four days,” she added.
An MSF clinic was “slightly damaged” by an explosion yesterday but is still operational.
8:33AM
Parents hid their babies before being slaughtered
An Israeli couple managed to hide their two babies moments before they were murdered by Hamas terrorists.
Itay and Hadar Berdichevsky protected their ten-month-old twins in a shelter, where they remained for 12 hours after their parents were slaughtered before being saved.
The Israeli outlet Walla reported that the couple had been at their home in Kfar Gaza, a Kibbutz three miles east of Gaza.
Israel’s ambassador to Colombia, Gali Dagan, wrote on Twitter:
“They hid their 10-month-old twin children in the shelter while terrorists infiltrated their home. Itay and Hadar were brutally murdered after bravely fighting the terrorists.
“The babies were left alone for more than 12 hours until they were rescued. Imagine the horror.
“Two terrified parents doing everything they can to save their children, who are now orphaned. Blessed be the memory of these heroes.”
8:25AM
Just 10 to 12 hours of electricity left in Gaza
There are just 10 to 12 more hours of fuel left for electricity in Gaza, the Palestinian energy authority chairman has claimed.
Israel’s “total siege” of Gaza seeks to limit power, food and water to the entire strip.
8:23AM
IDF shares photos from Kibbutz Kfar Aza
The Israeli Defence Force has shared photographs from Kibbutz Kfar Aza, close to Gaza City.
“On Saturday morning, Hamas terrorists charged across the fields,” it wrote on Twitter. “Some landed in paragliders. The terrorists went house to house, massacring babies, mothers and fathers in their bedrooms. Hamas will pay for this crime.”
This is Kibbutz Kfar Aza. In the background is Gaza City.
On Saturday morning, Hamas terrorists charged across the fields. Some landed in paragliders.
The terrorists went house to house, massacring babies, mothers and fathers in their bedrooms.
Hamas will pay for this crime. pic.twitter.com/GxTwYYeR7o
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) October 11, 2023
8:14AM
Time for the BBC to call Hamas terrorists, says Grant Shapps
Defence Secretary Grant Shapps said it is time for the BBC to get the “moral compass out” and suggested it is “disgraceful” for the news organisation not to describe Hamas as terrorists.
Mr Shapps, when it was put to him on LBC that BBC is not describing Hamas as terrorists, said: “I actually think it is verging on disgraceful, this idea that there is some sort of equivalence, and they’ll always say well there’s two sides… what Hamas have done, as a proscribed terrorist organisation, meaning that they are illegal in Britain, it’s illegal to support them, is to have gone out and slaughtered innocent people, babies, festival goers, pensioners.
“They are not freedom fighters, they are not militants, they are pure and simple terrorists and it’s remarkable to go to the BBC website and still see them talking about gunmen and militants and not calling them terrorists.
“I don’t know what’s going on there, but I think that it’s time to get the moral compass out at the BBC.”
8:09AM
Israel calls up reservists
In this photograph, an IDF reservist sits with fellow troops at kibbutz Kfar Aza where dozens of civilians were killed days earlier near the border with Gaza.
Israel has called up an unprecedented 300,000 reservists, as Israeli airlines added flights to bring reservists back to the country.
An IDF reservist
Credit: Alexi J. Rosenfeld/Getty Images
7:53AM
Grant Shapps: there is ‘no equivalence’ between the actions of Israel and Hamas
Defence Secretary Grant Shapps said there is “no equivalence” between the actions of Israel and Hamas.
Speaking to Sky News, he said: “We know in war there can be damage beyond the… in this case the terrorists. But that is not (Israel’s) objective, which is why I say there is no equivalence between the two.”
Asked about claims that Israel may be breaking international law by not allowing civilians in Gaza to have access to food, water and heat, Mr Shapps said: “It’s very early days. They have had to seal the border for obvious reasons.”
He added: “We in the United Kingdom absolutely defend Israel’s right to do what they need to do now to go after Hamas, of course they need to respect international law and my conversations with Israelis we’ve of course talked about all of that.
“But, as I say, I think that some of this is a bit of a distraction from the reports still coming through.”
Asked what has become a distraction, he said: “The difference between people who are trying to sort of say there is some sort of equivalence between the two I think are entirely wrong.”
7:42AM
‘Israel’s only option is overwhelming force’
“Israel must use whatever force it can bear to strangle the terrorist groups who massacred, brutalised and kidnapped its citizens and are willing to do the same again. That may sound like callous warmongering, but it is not,” writes Richard Kemp.
“When a country faces a vicious enemy that is intent on the murder of its people, a responsible government has no choice other than to stop it in any way it can. And please don’t say that, in Israel’s case, it can only be resolved with a political solution – because there won’t be one in the foreseeable future.”
Read why Israel’s only option is “overwhelming force” here.
7:34AM
Inside Kibbutz Kfar Aza
The BBC and New York Times have been given access to Kibbutz Kfar Aza, the scene of some of the worst Hamas attacks.
Soldiers told the outlets that what happened there was a “massacre” and that much of the killing happened in the first hours of the assault on Saturday.
It took the Israeli army 12 hours to reach the Kibbutz.
Davidi Ben Zion, the deputy commander of Unit 71, a unit of paratroopers, said the terrorists who killed families, including babies, “just a jihad machine to kill everybody, [people] without weapons, without nothing, just normal citizens that want to take their breakfast and that’s all”.
“They killed them and cut some of their heads, it’s a dreadful thing to see… and we must remember who is the enemy, and what our mission is, [for] justice where there is a right side and all the world needs to be behind us,” he told the BBC.
Hundreds of Israeli soldiers are still in the area.
7:26AM
In pictures: Gaza wakes up to destruction
Smoke billows following Israeli strikes in Gaza City
Palestinians carry a casualty at the site of Israeli strikes on houses, in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip
Credit: REUTERS/Ibraheem Abu Mustafa
A Palestinian boy who was wounded in Israeli strikes on a house sits in an ambulance, in Khan Younis
Credit: REUTERS/Ibraheem Abu Mustafa
7:18AM
Attacks ‘pure evil’, says Grant Shapps
The Defence Secretary described actions by Hamas in Israel as “pure evil” and encouraged people to refer to those who carried out the attacks as terrorists.
Speaking to GB News, Grant Shapps, who is in Brussels to attend a meeting of Nato defence ministers, said: “It’s just horrendous isn’t it. Reports of babies being butchered, festival goers as we heard the other day being slaughtered, even a Holocaust survivor being murdered.
“And this isn’t just militants or gunman, as I’m seeing it described in some places, call it what it is, this is pure and simple terrorism from Hamas, a proscribed organisation.”
He added: “We have asked (Israel) to ask us when they need anything specific, and those conversations are ongoing.
“But I think the main that they need is understanding and support from the rest of the world right now because what happened was unprecedented and frankly pure evil.”
He added: “I don’t believe that Hamas represent the Palestinian people, and Hamas behaviour.”
7:05AM
Thai death toll in Israel-Gaza conflict climbs to 20
Twenty Thai nationals have been killed in the conflict between Israel and militant group Hamas, the kingdom’s government said Wednesday, up from the previous toll of 18.
The foreign ministry said the number of Thais held hostage had increased by three to 14, based on unofficial reports from Thai citizens in Israel.
The first repatriation flight with wounded Thais was expected to land in the capital on Thursday.
More than 5,000 Thai citizens have requested repatriation to the kingdom, officials said.
6:58AM
Thousands join pro-Israel rally in New York
Thousands of people gathered on Tuesday for a show of solidarity with Israel in New York, the city with the largest number of Jews in the world outside of the Jewish state.
“New York stands in solidarity with Israel and the Jewish community,” New York state Governor Kathy Hochul told the crowd.
New York mayor Eric Adams, a former police officer who was recently in Israel, also affirmed that “Israel has the right to defend itself. Your fight is our fight.”
People attend a “Stand with Israel” vigil and rally in New York City
Credit: Ed JONES / AFP
People attend a “Stand with Israel” vigil and rally in New York City
Credit: Ed JONES / AFP
People attend a “Stand with Israel” vigil and rally in New York City
Credit: Ed JONES / AFP
6:45AM
Pictured: overnight strikes hit Gaza
At least 30 people have been killed and hundreds wounded as Israel pounded the Gaza Strip with hundreds of air strikes overnight, a Hamas government official said Wednesday.
Dozens of residential buildings, factories, mosques and shops were hit.
Smoke rises following an Israeli air strike in Al-Ramal neighbourhood in Gaza City
Credit: MOHAMMED SABER/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock
Civilians and members of civil defense teams conduct search and rescue operations to save people from under rubble of a collapsed building hit during an Israeli airstrike in Khan Yunis, Gaza
Credit: Belal Khaled/Anadolu via Getty Images
6:34AM
Israel destroys ‘advanced detection system developed by Hamas’
The Israeli Air Force had “destroyed an advanced detection system developed by [Hamas], which was used to detect aircraft over the Gaza Strip.”
In a post on Twitter, the IAF said, “For years, Hamas established a network of high-quality cameras, hidden inside solar heaters throughout the Gaza Strip, with the aim of identifying and tracking aircraft.”
כלי טיס של חיל-האוויר השמידו מערכת גילוי מתקדמת שפיתח ארגון הטרור חמאס, אשר שימשה לצורך גילוי כלי טייס מעל שטח הרצועה.
במשך שנים חמאס הקים רשת מצלמות איכותיות, שהוחבאו בתוך דודי שמש לאורך כל רצועת עזה, במטרה לזהות ולעקוב אחרי כלי טיס. pic.twitter.com/2TcxIL5z1E
— Israeli Air Force (@IAFsite) October 11, 2023
It added: “Yesterday, in a matter of minutes, with an aircraft targeted at several targets, aircraft attacked all the locations associated with this network and deprived Hamas of its ability to produce a wide sky image in an attempt to attack aircraft.”
Video footage showing the strike was included in the post.
6:24AM
Israel targets Palestine overnight
Eighty targets in the neighbourhood of Beit Hanon, a city on the northeast edge of Gaza, were hit by Israeli airstrikes overnight.
A further 450 targets were hit in the Al-Furqan neighbourhood in the last 24 hours, including 200 strikes overnight.
Overnight, IAF fighter jets struck over 80 targets in Beit Hanoun in the Gaza Strip, including two bank branches used by Hamas to fund terrorism in the Gaza, an underground tunnel and two operational command centers used by Hamas to direct terrorist activities against Israel. pic.twitter.com/w5c9FmABmo
— Israeli Air Force (@IAFsite) October 11, 2023
The IDF said the targets include banks which are being used by Hamas to attack Israel.
The UN has reported that over 900 Palestinians have been killed and a further 260,000 have fled the fighting.
6:15AM
Number of Latin American victims grows
The number of Latin Americans killed or reported missing during the fighting with Hamas has rise. The current figures are:
Argentina: 7 killed, 15 missingBrazil: 1 killed, 3 missingChile: 2 killedColombia: 2 missingMexico: 3 missingPeru: 2 killedParaguay: 2 missing
6:06AM
Australia police says pro-Palestinian protest plans ‘unauthorised’
Australian police said on Wednesday a pro-Palestinian protest scheduled for the weekend in Sydney will be an “unauthorised” activity, and it would set up a task force after reports of alleged anti-Semitism in a rally earlier this week.
As police expect more protests ahead with Israel vowing to escalate its response to an attack by the Palestinian militant group Hamas with a ground offensive. Australian officials said the new task force would help coordinate police actions.
“In essence, the operation will capture all intelligence available to us in relation to community sentiment, potential protest activity and potential demonstrations that might take place in the future,” New South Wales Police Acting Commissioner David Hudson told reporters.
The decision on the task force comes as police investigate a protest outside the Sydney Opera House on Monday after unverified footage shared by the Australian Jewish Association and featured on Sky News appeared to show a group lighting flares and chanting “gas the Jews”.
5:10AM
Brazilians and Filipinos killed in Hamas attacks
Two Brazilian citizens were killed as a result of the Hamas attack on Israel, the foreign ministry said on Tuesday.
The ministry identified the deceased as Ranani Nidejelski Glazer and Bruna Valeanu.
The ministry said in a separate statement that three people with dual Brazilian-Israeli citizenship were missing after they disappeared at a music festival outside of Kibbutz Re’im.
Two Filipinos were also killed, said Philippine Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo.
4:57AM
US in talks with Israel and Egypt about safe passage for Gaza civilians
The US is speaking with Israel and Egypt about the idea of a safe passage for Gaza civilians amid Israel strikes, US national security adviser Jake Sullivan said on Tuesday.
“We are focused on this question, there are consultations going on,” Mr Sullivan told reporters at the White House.
“But the details of that are something that are being discussed among the operational agencies and I don’t want to share too much of that publicly at this time.”
4:26AM
Outrage over UN’s Palestine tribute
The UN Human Rights Council has come under fire in the Israeli media for holding a moment of silence for the “loss of innocent lives in the occupied Palestinian territory and elsewhere”.
Video from the UN chamber shows Pakistani envoy Zaman Mehdi calling for the motion on Monday on behalf of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation member states, representing 57 countries.
“This whole huge loss of lives and unabated violence is a sad reminder of more than seven decades of illegal foreign occupation, aggression and disrespect for the international law,” Mr Mehdi said.
“The 16 years of illegal blockage of Gaza continues to raise questions over the applicability of international law.”
The Anti-Defamation League hit out at the UNHRC, claiming it was “blatantly ignoring the nearly 1,000 people in Israel who were brutally massacred by Hamas, and the over 150 innocent people taken hostage into Gaza”.
Between 2008 and last month, before the attack by Hamas, the United Nations counted 6407 Palestinian deaths as a result of conflict in the region. The Israeli death toll from the same time period was 308.
On Monday afternoon, the @UN Human Rights Council observed a moment of silence for the loss of innocent lives in the occupied Palestinian territory and elsewhere.#HRC54 pic.twitter.com/9cgQDoQAyF
— United Nations Human Rights Council | 📍 #HRC54 (@UN_HRC) October 9, 2023
3:52AM
Floyd Mayweather sending private plane to evacuate Americans
Floyd Mayweather, the renowned boxing champion, is sending his private plane to take supplies to Israel and bring American civilians home.
TMZ Sports reported that Floyd arranged to deliver food, water and bulletproof vests using “Air Mayweather”.
It comes as civilians desperate to flee Israel and Gaza struggle to find safe ways out of the warzone.
American Airlines is the latest commercial airline to cancel all flights to and from Israel’s main international airport. It has suspended flights until December 4.
“We will continue working closely with our partner airlines to offer assistance to those looking to exit TLV with safety and security remaining our highest priorities,” American Airlines said in a statement.
Mayweather said: “Hamas do not represent the people of Palestine but are a terrorist group that are attacking innocent lives. I stand for all humans and wish for the safe return of all Americans and Israelis and any human that were kidnapped as hostages during these horrific war crimes.”
3:26AM
‘I hid under corpses to survive’
A survivor of the attack on the festival where hundreds of people were killed by Hamas terrorists has described how he hid under dead bodies to avoid capture.
Rafael Zimerman, from Brazil, said he and friends ran as “a lot of rockets” were fired over the Supernova party.
He said that as he and about 50 others sheltered in a bunker, he could hear Israeli police fighting off the attackers before gas penetrated their hiding spot.
“With the gas, you cannot breathe,” he told CNN. “It’s impossible to breathe after 30 seconds.”
Rafael Zimerman
The attackers then came inside the bunker and started shooting and throwing grenades, Mr Zimerman recalled.
“I just covered myself with dead people, a lot of dead people,” he said.
“So I stayed there inside like for hours, like just waiting to die, you know? I just wanted to die in peace because I suffered so much from the gas.”
Mr Zimerman, who has shrapnel wounds from the attack, said it was a “miracle” that he and six others escaped the blood-soaked bunker.
3:03AM
Family of Hamas leader killed
Family members of Mohammed Deif, the leader of Hamas’s armed wing in Gaza, were killed after Israeli airstrikes struck homes in Gaza City.
Mr Deif’s brother and other family members died, according to reports.
Dozens of fighter jets struck more than 200 targets overnight in a neighbourhood of Gaza City that the Israeli military said had been used by Hamas to launch its unprecedented wave of attacks.
Gaza’s health ministry said at least 900 people have been killed and 4,600 wounded in the crowded coastal enclave.
Soldiers also killed three militants in a clash in Ashkelon, near an oil terminal located just over six miles from the Gaza Strip that has been shut in the wake of the attacks.
Palestinian media said Israeli airstrikes also bombarded the southern city of Khan Younis and the Bureij refugee camp in central Gaza.
Flames and smoke rise after an Israeli airstrike in Khan Yunis, Gaza on Wednesday
Credit: Anadolu
Residents appealing for help on social media said many buildings had collapsed, sometimes trapping as many as 50 people inside with rescue workers unable to reach them.
The United Nations said more than 180,000 Gazans had been made homeless, many huddling on streets or in schools.
“No place is safe in Gaza, as you see they hit everywhere,” said Ala Abu Tair, 35, who was at a building being used as an emergency shelter when it was hit by strikes.
2:49AM
Biden and Netanyahu speak on the phone
Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke on the phone on Tuesday, discussing US military support for Israel and agreed to speak again in the next few days, the White House said.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken also spoke with Israeli Minister for Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer, ahead of his visit to Israel.
Mr Blinken “reaffirmed unequivocal US support for Israel’s right to defend itself” following attacks by Hamas, the State Department said in a statement.
2:43AM
IDF says it has struck Hamas ‘terror nest’
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesperson announced that Israel had conducted over 70 airstrikes in the Daraj Tufah area, which the military called a “terror nest” understood to be used by Hamas militants to launch attacks.
The IDF also attacked a building it said was used by Islamic Jihad, and announced it killed militants at the Erez Crossing.
2:21AM
Mexico evacuates citizens and Germany prepares flights
Mexico’s foreign ministry said 135 citizens were evacuated on a military flight from Israel on Tuesday night.
A second military flight is headed to Israel to pick up dozens more Mexicans who have requested to leave the country, CNN reported.
Two Mexican nationals are missing following the attacks by Hamas.
Earlier, Germany announced it would evacuate its citizens from Israel on Thursday and Friday.
German airline Lufthansa will operate several special flights from Israel at the request of the Foreign Office.
1:51AM
‘Advanced’ US ammunition arrives in Israel
A first transport plane with “advanced” American ammunition has landed at the Nevatim airbase in southern Israel, the IDF said.
The Times of Israel, quoting the Israeli military, said the ammunition is intended “to enable significant strikes and preparations for additional scenarios”.
“We are grateful for the American support and assistance to the IDF in particular, and to the State of Israel in general, during this challenging period,” the IDF said.
“Our common enemies know that the cooperation between the armies is stronger than ever, and is a key part of ensuring regional security and stability.”
It comes just hours after Joe Biden said the US outlined plans for military assistance for Israel including helping to restore the “Iron Dome” air defence system.
1:49AM
Israel death toll rises to 1,200
At least 1,200 people have died as a result of the Hamas attacks on Israel.
It is an increase of 200 people since the last death toll.
More than 2,700 people have also been wounded.
“We have sustained extremely heavy casualties,” military spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan Conricus, said on Twitter.
The death toll is expected to continue to rise.
1:27AM
Around the world: Supporters of Israel attend rallies and vigils
People pray and light candles during a vigil organised by the Lisbon Jewish Community for Israeli victims of the Hamas attack in Lisbon, Portugal
Credit: Corbis News
Thousands attend a ‘New York Stands With Israel’ vigil and rally
Credit: Getty Images
1:09AM
Watch: Biden condemns Hamas’s attacks as ‘sheer evil’
12:42AM
First Australian dies in Hamas attack
A 66-year-old grandmother is the first known Australian to die in the Hamas attack on Israel.
Australian Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil said Galit Carbone was killed on Saturday at the Be’eri kibbutz near Gaza.
Ms Carbone was born in Sydney but had moved to Israel to raise a family while also working as a librarian.
Galit Carbone
Ms O’Neil told the Seven Network that Ms Carbone’s death was a “senseless act of violence … and the Australian government condemns it in the strongest possible terms.”
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong is leading government efforts to help an estimated 10,000 Australians in Israel who want to leave.
12:38AM
Canada to send evacuation aircraft
Canada plans to operate evacuation flights for Canadians stranded in Israel after major airlines cancelled flights in the wake of Hamas’s attacks.
Some 35,000 Canadian citizens live in Israel and nearly 90,000 Canadians travel to the country every year, according to the Canadian foreign ministry.
About 1,000 Canadians in Israel are looking to leave after Hamas’s assault on Saturday, the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs said.
At least two Canadians have been confirmed dead in the attack – 22-year-old Ben Mizrachi and 33-year-old Alexandre Look.
Canada will send military aircraft to Tel Aviv “in the coming days” for citizens and permanent residents as well as their spouses and children, Foreign Minister Melanie Joly said.
12:34AM
Welcome to today’s live blog
Follow our live blog for the latest news and developments on the war between Hamas and Israel.
Here’s what you need to know:
Israel has destroyed parts of Gaza as it takes revenge for the worst Hamas assaults in the 75-year-old history of its conflict with the Palestinians.
Meanwhile, Hamas militants holding Israeli soldiers and civilians hostage have threatened to execute a captive for each home in Gaza hit, but as night fell on Tuesday there was no indication they had done so.
A ground offensive now looks inevitable.
>>> Read full article>>>
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