Israel-Palestine News Highlights: This is our 9/11, says Israel as death toll from Hamas attack mounts to over 600

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As a barrage of rockets reigned in from Gaza, Israel’s air defence system, also known as the ‘Iron Dome’, managed to intercept many, thereby avoiding further casualties. Click Here to watch how the Iron Dome intercepted rockets from Gaza

IDF International Spokesperson Lt. Col. Richard Hecht recorded an update message on Sunday and said, "Very hard 24 hours. Unprecedented events. We were attacked by Hamas yesterday...We have been talking about Hamas for years who they are & what they want - the annihilation of our state...They attacked us on the ground, in the air and also through the sea. They did not go for military targets, they went for civilians...The numbers are unprecedented. We are going to respond to this very severely...We are going to do whatever is needed. The style of the attack is barbaric...In a way, this is our 9/11."

Operational update with IDF International Spokesperson Lt. Col. Richard Hecht. https://t.co/9d9JeiUYFG

— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) October 8, 2023

Iran supports the legitimate defense of the Palestinian nation, said Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi in a statement on Sunday, according to Tasnim news agency, adding that "the Zionist regime and its supporters are responsible for instability in the region".

Palestinian Islamist group Hamas took Israel by surprise with the biggest attack in decades by gunmen who killed scores of people and brought hostages back into the Gaza Strip. (Reuters)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office says his Security Cabinet has declared the country at war following a deadly Hamas assault in southern Israel. The decision, announced on Sunday, formally authorizes “the taking of significant military steps,” it said it a statement.

“The war that was forced on the State of Israel in a murderous terrorist assault from the Gaza Strip began at 06:00 yesterday,” it said. It gave no further details. But Netanyahu had previous declared the country at war, and the military has promised a harsh response in Gaza. Israeli media say at least 600 people have been killed in the surprise cross-border incursion by Hamas militants from the Gaza Strip. (AP)

As per Palestine’s health ministry, at least 370 Palestinians have lost their lives so far in retaliatory air strikes by Israel in Gaza, news agency Reuters reported. 

In their latest post on X the IDF has said that their "fighter jets just struck Hamas terrorist targets in Gaza that were used to attack Israel."

IDF fighter jets just struck Hamas terrorist targets in Gaza that were used to attack Israel.

We will continue to protect Israeli civilians.

— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) October 8, 2023

Meghalaya CM Conrad K Sangma posted on X and said: "As per the latest information and through the efforts of MEA and our Indian mission, our 27 citizens from Meghalaya, who were stuck in the war conflict zone of Israel and Palestine have safely crossed the border into Egypt."

As per the latest information and through the efforts of MEA and our Indian mission, our 27 citizens from Meghalaya, who were stuck in the war conflict zone of Israel and Palestine have safely crossed the border into Egypt@DrSJaishankar @MEAIndia

— Conrad K Sangma (@SangmaConrad) October 8, 2023

Ambassador of Israel to India, Naor Gilon said, "We know Hamas from the past, the next thing, they will start hiding behind the civilian population. Now they have also Israeli hostages to hide behind and to present themselves as the victim. This is always the issue. That's why we will need this very strong support of our Indian friends and India as a very influential country in the world, as a country that knows terrorism and understands the crisis, it will be very important for us to give us the ability to do what we need to do in order to make sure that Hamas will not be able to continue doing atrocities. It's clear to us that Iran is involved with it."

#WATCH | Ambassador of Israel to India, Naor Gilon says, "We know Hamas from the past, the next thing, they will start hiding behind the civilian population. Now they have also Israeli hostages to hide behind and to present themselves as the victim. This is always the issue.… pic.twitter.com/DgY9ATobzS

— ANI (@ANI) October 8, 2023

As a barrage of rockets reigned in from Gaza, Israel’s air defence system, also known as the ‘Iron Dome’, managed to intercept many, thereby avoiding further casualties.

A video released by CNN International Diplomatic Editor on Sunday showed how Israel’s air defence System known as the ‘Iron Dome’ intercepting rockets “coming in from Gaza”. The video was reportedly recorded from Zikim which is located in southern part of Israel.

The video shows the Iron Dome strike its targets, lighting up the sky. Read here

Near #Gaza - exploding above our heads - #Israel’s Iron Dome missiles intercept Hamas rockets pic.twitter.com/64Xe0NOFDW

— Nic Robertson (@NicRobertsonCNN) October 8, 2023

Ambassador of Israel to India, Naor Gilon said, "We are heartfelt from the huge support we got from India, from the Prime Minister, through a few ministers who called me, businessmen, civil servants. We appreciate it very strongly. I'll tell you why. Because India, first of all, is a very important country in the world. Secondly, India comes from the position of a country who knows terrorism. So it comes from a point of knowledge and not of ignorance. And for that, we are very much thankful.'

#WATCH | Ambassador of Israel to India, Naor Gilon says, "We are heartfelt from the huge support we got from India, from the Prime Minister, through a few ministers who called me, businessmen, civil servants. Our social media is full of people who are showing their support. And… pic.twitter.com/lk3HyD5MsN

— ANI (@ANI) October 8, 2023

View the full gallery here.

(Photos: AP, Reuters)

Senior Hezbollah official Hashem Safieddine said his group's "guns and rockets" were with Palestinian militants who carried out a surprise attack on Israel on Saturday that left 250 Israelis dead.

"Our history, our guns and our rockets are with you. We are all with you," Safieddine said at an event in the Hezbollah stronghold of Dahieh on Beirut's outskirts in solidarity with the Palestinian fighters. (Reuters)

As per Reuters, TV channels in Israel are reporting that the death toll from the attack by Hamas has now risen to 400.

It’s a modest looking system in olive green. Called the iron dome, it’s Israel’s best protection against rockets frequently rained on it by the Hamas in the Gaza Strip to its South and the Hezbollah from Lebanon and Syria on the north.

It was very much in action on Saturday when Hamas launched an all-out attack on Israel. An air defence system developed by Israel Aerospace Industries and Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, the iron dome has been helping to spot and intercept every projectile, be it a rocket or a mortar, fired into its territory since 2011.

Speaking to the Express last November, Lt Col Jonathan Conricus (retd), a military diplomat of Israeli Defense Force (IDF), who once served as a combat commander for the Gaza Strip, says the dome has intercepted over 3000 projectiles in the last 10 years.

Read Manraj Grewal Sharma's story here.

In a video message, the Israel Defense Forces spokesperson RAdm. Daniel Hagari said on Sunday that Hamas' 'brutal attack is a war crime. 'Taking women and children captive violates international law and is against Islam', the official added.

An operational update from IDF Spokesperson RAdm. Daniel Hagari: pic.twitter.com/2QNm29UYZ7

— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) October 8, 2023

Hezbollah, whose name means ‘Party of God’, is a Shiite Islamic militant organisation from Lebanon. The think tank Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) has described it as “The world’s most heavily armed non-state actor, with a large and diverse stockpile of unguided artillery rockets, as well as ballistic, antiair, antitank, and antiship missiles.”

In modern history, Lebanon was under a French mandate until 1943 and after it ended, power was divided into various religious groups, with posts such as Prime Minister and President of the country reserved for people of particular religious denominations.

Hezbollah originated during the Lebanese Civil War (1975-1990), which was a result of “long-simmering discontent over the large, armed Palestinian presence in the country”, according to the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR).

Amid tense ethnic and religious divisions, Palestinian refugees’ arrival from 1948 onwards – with the creation of Israel as a state for Jewish people – added to the tensions. Their presence also led to Israeli forces invading southern Lebanon in 1978 and again in 1982 to expel Palestinian guerrilla fighters.

Read the full story here

National Conference president Farooq Abdullah on Sunday said the United Nations has failed to resolve the issue of Palestine as innocent people were getting killed on both sides in the latest flare up with Israel.

PDP president Mehbooba Mufti also said he hoped for for an end to hostilities between the Israelis and the Palestinians. Speaking to reporters, Abdullah said, "War is bad in every way as people suffer. So many innocent Israelis were killed, so many innocent Palestinians were killed. War is not a solution to any problem."

The Lok Sabha MP from Srinagar said the United Nations has failed in resolving the issue of Palestine which has been lingering for decades now. “The regrettable thing is that the UN has failed.

The issue of Palestine has been pending from such a long time and they are not solving it. Innocent people are getting killed,” he added.

On his party's expectations from the polls in Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) Kargil, Abdullah said, “We have lots of hopes. Please ask me after the results come in.”

PDP president said that it always takes "death & destruction for the world to awaken to the Israel-Palestinian conflict". "Praying for bloodshed to end between Israel & Palestine. May peace prevail," Mufti posted on X. (PTI)

Unfortunate that it takes such death & destruction for the world to awaken to the Israel- Palestinian conflict. Deafening silence is maintained year after year as innocent Palestinians are murdered & their homes destroyed. Today just because the shoe on the other foot is…

— Mehbooba Mufti (@MehboobaMufti) October 8, 2023

Rajya Sabha MP WR Kharlukhi and his family are among 27 pilgrims from Meghalaya stranded in Bethlehem amid escalated tensions between Israel and Palestine.

WR Kharlukhi is the state president of the National People’s Party which leads the coalition government in Meghalaya and is the sole Rajya Sabha MP from the state.

According to officials, he, along with his wife and his daughters are among those on pilgrimage to Jerusalem, currently in Bethlehem. Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma has stated that he is in touch with the Ministry of External Affairs to ensure their safe passage home.

“27 citizens of Meghalaya who travelled for the Holy Pilgrimage to Jerusalem are stuck in Bethlehem due to the tensions between Israel and Palestine. I am in touch with our citizens and the Ministry of External Affairs to ensure their safe passage back home,” he wrote on social media.

Hamas is the largest Palestinian militant Islamist group and one of the two major political parties in the region. Currently, it governs more than two million Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. The organisation, however, is also known for its armed resistance against Israel.

The group was founded in the late 1980s, after the beginning of the first Palestinian intifada, or uprising, against Israel’s occupation of the West Bank and Gaza Strip — the Jewish state had captured the two Palestinian territories after winning the 1967 Israeli-Arab War.

Hamas as a whole, or in some cases its military wing, was designated a terrorist group by Israel, the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, among other countries.

Read the full story here

Two Israeli tourists and one Egyptian have been shot dead on Sunday in Alexandria, two Egyptian security sources said on Sunday, reported Reuters.

A policeman alleged to have carried out the shooting, in the Sawari district of the Egyptian city, was in custody, the sources added. 

The Palestinian Authority submitted a memorandum on Sunday calling for an emergency Arab League meeting at the foreign ministerial level, according to WAFA, the Palestinian news agency.

The request for the meeting comes in light of the "brutal and ongoing Israeli aggression against the Palestinian people, including the escalation of the storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque by thousands of settlers," WAFA quoted Arab League Ambassador Muhannad Al Aklouk as saying. (Reuters)

Israel fired barrages of artillery into southern Lebanon on Sunday after Hezbollah targeted three Israeli military positions in the disputed Shebaa Farms. There were no immediate reports of casualties.

On Saturday, the most serious attack in years by Palestinian gunmen on Israeli towns left at least 250 Israelis dead, with another 230 Gazans killed in Israel's retaliatory bombardment. Hezbollah, a powerful armed party backed by Iran, said it had launched guided rockets and artillery onto three posts in the Shebaa Farms "in solidarity" with the Palestinian people.

The Israeli military said on Sunday it fired artillery into an area of Lebanon where cross-border mortar fire was launched. "IDF (Israel Defense Forces) artillery is currently striking the area in Lebanon from where a shooting was carried out," it said.

Israel's military said one its drones struck a Hezbollah post in the area of Har Dov, an area in Shebaa. "At this point, there is no further threat in Har Dov or the northern arena," IDF spokesperson Daniel Hagari said in televised remarks, adding that the military remained on high alert. (Reuters)

Air India on Sunday said it has cancelled its flights to and from Tel Aviv till October 14.

Israel came under attack by Hamas militants on Saturday and since then, both sides are engaged in fighting in which scores of people have died.

"Our flights to and from Tel Aviv will remain suspended till 14th October, 2023, for the safety of our passengers and crew," an airline spokesperson said in a statement.

The airline will extend all possible support to passengers who have confirmed bookings on any flight during this period, the spokesperson added.

The full service carrier operates five weekly flights to Tel Aviv from the national capital. The service is on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday.

On Saturday also, the carrier cancelled its flights to and from Tel Aviv. (PTI)

The Israeli Air Force on Sunday said its fighter jets "struck a compound belonging to the head of the intelligence department in the Hamas terrorist organization."

In a post on X (formerly known as Twitter), it wrote: "The IAF is currently continuing to strike terror targets in the Gaza Strip."

A short while ago, IAF fighter jets struck a compound belonging to the head of the intelligence department in the Hamas terrorist organization.

The IAF is currently continuing to strike terror targets in the Gaza Strip. pic.twitter.com/uSHsXGFNzz

— Israeli Air Force (@IAFsite) October 8, 2023

The Israel Defense Forces on Sunday wrote "Sirens sounding in southern Israel" in a post on X (formerly known as Twitter).

?Sirens sounding in southern Israel?

— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) October 8, 2023

China on Sunday called on Palestine and Israel to immediately end the hostilities, exercise restraint, and remain calm to protect civilians to avoid further deterioration of the situation.

China is deeply concerned over the current escalation of tensions and violence between Palestine and Israel, and calls on relevant parties to remain calm, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said in response to questions on the fierce conflicts between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas in the Gaza Strip resulting in massive casualties on both sides.

The spokesperson said the recurrence of the conflict shows once again that the protracted standstill of the peace process cannot last.  The fundamental way out of the conflict lies in implementing the two-state solution and establishing an independent State of Palestine.

The international community needs to act with greater urgency, step up input into the Palestine question, facilitate the early resumption of peace talks between Palestine and Israel, and find a way to bring about enduring peace, state-run Xinhua news agency quoted the spokesperson as saying.

China will continue to work relentlessly with the international community towards that end, the spokesperson added.

China this year has stepped up its diplomacy in the Middle East and brokered a surprise deal between arch-rivals Saudi Arabia and Iran in March to end their hostilities and restore diplomatic ties.

The Beijing-brokered detente between Iran and Saudi Arabia came after a bitter rivalry between the two influential Middle Eastern countries which had destabilised several countries in the region including Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Yemen and Bahrain. (PTI)
 

An Israeli military official says “hundreds of terrorists” have been killed and dozens captured amid ongoing fighting with Hamas militants in Gaza and southern Israel.

Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari spoke to reporters on Sunday, more than 24 hours after the Palestinian militant group launched an unprecedented assault into Israel, killing hundreds of people and taking captives back into blockaded Gaza as the group launched thousands of rockets. (AP)

The Israel Defense Forces on Sunday said that its naval soldiers identified five terrorists in the Zikim Beach in Israel, and "prevented" their infiltration into civilian areas.

5 terrorists who were hidden in the Zikim Beach in Israeli territory were identified by IDF naval soldiers. They targeted the terrorists and prevented their infiltration into civilian areas.

We will not stop until we find all of the infiltrated terrorists and root them out.

— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) October 8, 2023

Hamas armed wing said on Sunday its fighters are still engaged in fierce clashes in several sites inside Israel. The statement by Qassam Brigades said fighting continues in several areas bordering Gaza strip including Ofakim, Sderot, Yad Mordechai, Kfar Azza, Be'eri, Yatid and Kissufim. 

(Reuters)

A day after Hamas infiltration into the southern part of Israel from the Gaza Strip, tensions are escalating at the Israel-Lebanon border, with Israeli military saying one of its drones has struck a Hezbollah post in the Har Dov area. The Hezbollah has claimed responsibility for a rocket and artillery attack on the Israeli-occupied Shebaa Farms on Sunday, saying it was “in solidarity” with the Palestinian people. According to three security sources quoted by Reuters, projectiles launched from Lebanon hit an Israeli military post in Shebaa Farms. Meanwhile, an Israeli military spokesperson said operations still ongoing in eight areas around the Gaza Strip.

In response to a Hezbollah attack from Lebanon into Israel, IDF Artillery struck targets in the area.

An IDF UAV also struck Hezbollah terrorist infrastructure in the area of Mount Dov.

The IDF has taken preparational measures for this type of possibility. We will continue to…

— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) October 8, 2023

The Israeli military on Sunday said one of its drones has struck a Hezbollah post in Har Dov area along the Israel-Lebanon border, news agency Reuters reported. 

The armed group Hezbollah claimed responsibility for a rocket and artillery attack on the Israeli-occupied Shebaa Farms on Sunday, saying it was "in solidarity" with the Palestinian people.

The group said in a written statement that the attack targeted three posts including a "radar site" in the Shebaa Farms, a slice of land occupied by Israel since 1967 that Lebanon has claimed as its own.

Israel responded on Sunday with artillery fire on southern Lebanon. (Reuters)

Famous 14-year-old Palestinian rapper MC Abdul's video depicting life in Palestine has gone viral, amid escalation of Israel-Palestine conflict.

This little champ?MC Abdul, 14 year old rapper, is from Palestine.#Israel #Palestine #Hamas #?????_?????? #???? pic.twitter.com/Qv6cwlEoQL

— Amber Tweets (@amber_rj) October 7, 2023

The Israeli military Sunday said it is striking with artillery into the area in Lebanon from where shots were fired into Israel, news agency Reuters reported. According to three security sources quoted by Reuters, projectiles launched from Lebanon hit an Israeli military post in Shebaa Farms early Sunday. Meanwhile, an Israeli military spokesperson said operations still ongoing in eight areas around the Gaza Strip.

Union Minister Anurag Thakur on Sunday condemned the Hamas attack in the southern part of Israel. 

VIDEO | "Attacks on common citizens (in Israel) are unfortunate. Indian government has already said that we stand with Israel," says Union minister @ianuragthakur on #IsraelPalestineConflict. pic.twitter.com/3LNE7VLcT3

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) October 8, 2023

Hamas’ attack Saturday took Israeli intelligence officials by surprise, particularly the methods the militants used to enter and leave Israel, according to a senior defense official familiar with the information collected about the group.

The broad attack, mostly successful from Hamas’ point of view, revealed some significant failures by the Israeli defense establishment. It also may change Israel’s overall strategic approach to Hamas and the Gaza Strip, said the official, who asked not to identified when discussing security matters.

And that could have a far-reaching effect on the entire Middle East.

Read the full report here

Nepal's Prime Minister Pushpa Kumar Dahal 'Prachanda' "unequivocally" condemned the Hamas attack on southern Israel.

He wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter): "I unequivocally condemn the terrorist attack in Israel this morning. Nine of the Nepalis have been reportedly injured. At this critical hour, I extend my heartfelt sympathies to injured Nepalis and other innocent victims and their families."

I unequivocally condemn the terrorist attack in Israel this morning. Nine of the Nepalis have been reportedly injured. At this critical hour, I extend my heartfelt sympathies to injured Nepalis and other innocent victims and their families.

— ? Comrade Prachanda (@cmprachanda) October 7, 2023

US President Joe Biden has extended solidarity with Israel, which is facing an unprecedented surprise attack by Palestinian militant outfit Hamas. 

In a video posted on X (formerly known as Twitter), Biden said, "The United States stands with Israel. We will not ever fail to have their back. We'll make sure that they have the help their citizens need and they can continue to defend themselves."

Let there be no mistake: the United States stands with the State of Israel. pic.twitter.com/lRbPLflhzc

— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) October 7, 2023

President of the United States, Joe Biden, said that his administration's support for Israel's security is "rock solid and unwavering".

In a post on X (formerly known as Twitter), he added: "This is not a moment for any party hostile to Israel to exploit these attacks to seek advantage."

Let me say this as clearly as I can.

This is not a moment for any party hostile to Israel to exploit these attacks to seek advantage.

My Administration’s support for Israel’s security is rock solid and unwavering.

— President Biden (@POTUS) October 7, 2023

Expressing solidarity with Israel after Hamas launched a surprise assault on Saturday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said, "Israel has the full right to defend itself against terror. As any other state. And it’s critical that the whole world responds to terror in a unified and principled manner."

He added, "Today’s terrorist attack on Israel was well-planned, and the entire world knows which sponsors of terrorism could have endorsed and enabled its organization."

Today, the entire world saw horrifying videos from Israel. Terrorists humiliate women and men, detain even the elderly, and show no mercy.

In the face of such a terrorist strike, everyone who values life must stand in solidarity.

We in Ukraine have a special feeling about… pic.twitter.com/AnBgVO2X0J

— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / ????????? ?????????? (@ZelenskyyUa) October 7, 2023

UK PM Rishi Sunak condemned the attack by Palestinian militant outfit Hamas on the southern part of Israel on Saturday, calling it "cowardly and depraved".

"As the barbarity of today’s atrocities becomes clearer, we stand unequivocally with Israel. We have expressed our full solidarity to 
Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu and will work with international partners in the next 24 hours to co-ordinate support," he wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter).

As the barbarity of today’s atrocities becomes clearer, we stand unequivocally with Israel.

This attack by Hamas is cowardly and depraved.

We have expressed our full solidarity to @netanyahu and will work with international partners in the next 24 hours to co-ordinate support.

— Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) October 7, 2023

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu thanked world leaders like US President Joe Biden, French President Emmanuel Macron, and UK PM Rishi Sunak, among other world leaders, for their messages of solidarily with Israel after the Hamas launched a surprise attack on the southern part of the country on Saturday. 

"Today, I spoke with US President Biden and with other world leaders in order to ensure freedom of action for Israel in the continuation of the campaign. I thank President Biden for his strong and clear words. I thank the President of France, the Prime Minister of Great Britain and many other leaders for their unreserved support for Israel," Netanyahu wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter).

This morning, on Shabbat and a holiday, Hamas invaded Israeli territory and murdered innocent citizens including children and the elderly. Hamas has started a brutal and evil war.

We will be victorious in this war despite an unbearable price. This is a very difficult day for all…

— Benjamin Netanyahu - ?????? ?????? (@netanyahu) October 8, 2023

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Saturday said, "We will be victorious in this war despite an unbearable price. This is a very difficult day for all of us."

He added, "What happened today is unprecedented in Israel – and I will see to it that it does not happen again. The entire government is behind this decision."

Referring to the surprise assault by Hamas on the southern part of Israel, Netanyahu said, "Hamas wants to murder us all. This is an enemy that murders children and mothers in their homes, in their beds, an enemy that abducts the elderly, children and young women, that slaughters and massacres our citizens, including children, who simply went out to enjoy the holiday.

"The IDF will immediately use all its strength to destroy Hamas's capabilities. We will destroy them and we will forcefully avenge this dark day that they have forced on the State of Israel and its citizens. As Bialik wrote: 'Revenge for the blood of a little child has yet been devised by Satan'."

He added, "All of the places which Hamas is deployed, hiding and operating in, that wicked city, we will turn them into rubble."

This morning, on Shabbat and a holiday, Hamas invaded Israeli territory and murdered innocent citizens including children and the elderly. Hamas has started a brutal and evil war.

We will be victorious in this war despite an unbearable price. This is a very difficult day for all…

— Benjamin Netanyahu - ?????? ?????? (@netanyahu) October 8, 2023

Hamas militants have taken Israeli soldiers and civilians as hostages, the Israeli military said Saturday. The comments from Israel’s top military spokesperson, Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, confirmed some of Israelis’ worst fears since the assault began. Residents of Israeli border towns had told broadcasters that gunmen were moving door to door, looking for civilians and both Hamas and Islamic Jihad, another small militant faction in Gaza, had issued statements claiming to have Israeli captives.

In addition to Hagari’s remarks, video verified by The New York Times appears to show several Israelis being taken hostage by Hamas militants in the Be’eri kibbutz, just under 3 miles southeast from the border with Gaza in southern Israel. In the footage, at least five people with their hands behind their backs are being led on a road by armed men on foot and on motorcycles.

Where the group ended up is unclear, but reports from Israeli news outlets suggested that up to 50 hostages were being held in a dining hall in Be’eri. Those details have not been confirmed by the Times, although Hagari said Be’eri was one of two locations inside Israel with ongoing hostage situations.

Video posted to the messaging app Telegram earlier Saturday and verified by the Times showed armed militants crouching and taking up positions outside buildings in Be’eri. Some people have also posted appeals on social media asking for help locating friends and relatives from Be’eri and the surrounding areas who have not been heard from since Saturday morning local time.

Read the full report here

The Brandenburg Gate in Germany's capital Berlin was illuminated in the colours of the Israeli flag on Saturday, as a sign of solidarity with Israel where Palestinian militant outfit Hamas carried out an 'unprecedented infiltration', resulting in the deaths of at least 480 Israelis and Palestinians. 

(Photo credits: AP)

The Jewish diaspora awoke to horror Saturday in what was supposed to be among the most festive times on the Jewish holiday calendar.

The attacks by the militant group Hamas came after the end of Sukkot, a weeklong celebration to commemorate the harvest season and the time Jews lived in the desert after being freed from slavery in Egypt. It also came as Jews in the United States were gearing up to celebrate the holiday of Simchat Torah, which marks the beginning of a new annual cycle of the reading of the scrolls and is celebrated in Israel a day earlier.

At synagogues around the globe, the attacks brought a somber tone. Rabbi Felicia L Sol opened the morning at B’nai Jeshurun in New York City by telling congregants of the devastating toll from an Hamas attack that came from the air, from the sea and from the land.At a time that was supposed to be filled with joy, so many were instead entering “the holiday knowing that we can’t possibly celebrate in the same way that we would if obviously this hadn’t happened,” she said.

The day, she said, would go on “with less melody” as congregants joined her in “praying that things will be resolved, that those who are wounded will heal and for all the pain that already exists that we’ll find our way through.”

The incursion during Simchat Torah in Israel revived painful memories of the 1973 Mideast war practically 50 years to the day, in which Egypt and Syria launched a surprise attack on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in Judaism and a time of atonement and forgiveness. “I think that’s often been the case in these wars, that Israel often gets attacked on a holiday or Sabbath.” said Jack Rosen, president of the American Jewish Congress. “And, so I don’t think that’s an accident.”

The attack drew condemnation from Jewish communities and organizations spanning from Miami to Vancouver. The Jewish population in the United States was estimated at 7.5 million in 2021 by the Pew Research Center, with significant communities in the New York and Los Angeles areas.

Maxim Jacobs, 48, said the mood was mournful during Saturday morning services at his synagogue in New Jersey, with worshippers worried about family in Israel. But he expected a festive evening celebration for Simchat Torah. He said the rabbi told congregants other than traveling to Israel to help defend the country, being joyous is how people can carry on.

“We need to get closer together, have joy, tell the terrorists they won’t get us down,” Jacobs said. “We will go on as Jews.”

At Westchester Reform Temple in Scarsdale, New York, worshippers opened their service Saturday both welcoming the arrival of the holiday and mourning the attack.

“We are holding joy and sorrow at the same time as we often do in Judaism,” Associate Cantor Danielle Rodnizki said. (AP)

Responding to US President Joe Biden's post on X (formerly known as Twitter) on the attack on Israel by Hamas, the Israel Defense Forces said, "We have the right to defend ourselves, and we will."

We have the right to defend ourselves, and we will ?? https://t.co/IR7A6s6G4o

— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) October 8, 2023

The Israel Defense Forces shared a video of the Barzilai Medical Center in souther Israel being targeted by Hamas rocket fire and said, "This is indiscriminate fire against civilians. The IDF will not stand by."

RIGHT NOW: Barzilai Medical Center—in southern Israel—was targeted by Hamas rocket fire.

Hours before the strike, Dr. Chezy Levy, the Director of the medical center, and his staff moved patients to safety.

This is indiscriminate fire against civilians. The IDF will not stand… pic.twitter.com/OS0HLo3CQU

— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) October 8, 2023

The Federal Aviation Administration late Saturday urged U.S. airlines and pilots to use caution when flying in Israeli airspace after a surprise attack by Hamas militants.

The US air regulator's warning mirrors an alert issued by the Israeli government and applies to all altitudes due to events within the past 24 hours. (Reuters)

A public notice has been issued, advising Indian nationals in Palestine to directly reach out to the Representative Office of India for assistance or in case of emergencies due to the current security situation. 

Public Notice
In light of the prevailing security situation, Indian nationals in Palestine can directly contact the Representative Office of India to address any case of emergency or needed assistance on the 24-hours Emergency Helpline:

Jawwal: 0592-916418
WhatsApp:+970-59291641

— India in Palestine - ????? ?? ?????? (@ROIRamallah) October 7, 2023

Amidst a backdrop of escalating violence between Israel and Palestinian militants, tensions have intensified in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. In this region, where limited self-rule is exercised by the Palestinian authority, there is opposition from Hamas, which seeks the destruction of Israel.

The West Bank witnessed clashes in various locations on Saturday, as Palestinian youths engaged in stone-throwing confrontations with Israeli troops. Tragically, four Palestinians, including a 13-year-old boy, lost their lives. In response, Palestinian factions have called for a general strike on Sunday.

Meanwhile, within Israel itself, political turmoil has been brewing, with the most right-wing government in its history attempting significant reforms within the judiciary system.

Gunmen from Hamas carried out a deadly rampage in Israeli towns on Saturday, resulting in the deaths of at least 250 Israelis and the abduction of numerous hostages, marking the deadliest day of violence in Israel since the Yom Kippur war half a century ago.

In response, Israel launched devastating retaliatory strikes, resulting in over 230 casualties in Gaza. “We will take mighty vengeance for this wicked day,” PM Benjamin Netanyahu said. He characterised Hamas as an enemy that targets mothers, children, and the elderly in their homes, emphasising their brutality and disregard for human life, news agency Reuters reported.

Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh said the assault that had begun in Gaza would spread to the West Bank and Jerusalem. In a speech, Haniyeh highlighted threats to Jerusalem's Al-Aqsa Mosque, the continuation of the blockade on Gaza and Israeli normalisation with countries in the region, as per Reuters. "How many times have we warned you that the Palestinian people have been living in refugee camps for 75 years, and you refuse to recognise the rights of our people?"

President Joe Biden on Saturday decried the “unconscionable" assault by Hamas militants and his administration pledged to ensure Israel has “what it needs to defend itself” after the surprise attack that drew worldwide condemnation and anger from Israel's allies.

Biden said from the White House that he told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the United States “stands with the people of Israel in the face of these terrorist assaults. Israel has the right to defend itself and its people, full stop. There’s never a justification for terrorist attacks and my administration’s support for Israeli’s security is rock solid and unwavering.’’

The president also warned Israeli's enemies that "this is not a moment for any party hostile to Israel to exploit these attacks to seek advantage. (AP)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to defeat the Hamas militant group after a deadly incursion into southern Israel but says the war will “take time.”

Netanyahu delivered his message in a nationally televised address late Saturday after spending most of the day in meetings with top security officials.He said the Israeli military will use all of its strength to destroy Hamas' capabilities.

He also vowed to extract a heavy price if “even a single hair” is harmed on the Israeli hostages in Hamas captivity.“We will defeat them to death and take revenge for this black day,” he said.

President Joe Biden on Saturday decried the “appalling assault" by Hamas militants and his administration pledged to ensure Israel has “what it needs to defend itself” after the surprise attack that drew worldwide condemnation and anger from Israel's allies. 

Biden made clear in a call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that “we stand ready to offer all appropriate means of support," according to the White House. He also called Jordan's King Abdullah II. Secretary of State Antony Blinken rushed to the White House for meetings and was phoning foreign counterparts, while Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin spoke with Israel's defense minister.“

Terrorism is never justified. Israel has a right to defend itself and its people,” Biden said in a statement that also warned “any other party hostile to Israel” against “seeking advantage in this situation.” Washington's support for “Israel’s security is rock solid and unwavering,” the president said. His Pentagon chief said the U.S. was committed to helping Israel to “protect civilians from indiscriminate violence and terrorism” and with its defense needs. Hamas' unprecedented incursion, coming on a major Jewish holiday, was the deadliest attack in Israel in years and was threatening to spiral into a broader conflict. Israel retaliated with airstrikes in Gaza. (AP)

Israeli planes bomb house of Hamas Gaza chief, no word of casualties yet, reports Hamas media. This comes hours after Hamas militants launched a surprise attack on Israel, killing at least 100 people

Air India on Saturday cancelled its flight from the national capital to Tel Aviv amid the Israeli city coming under attack by Hamas militants.

The full-service carrier operates five weekly flights to Tel Aviv. The service is on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday.

An airline spokesperson said flight AI 139 from the national capital to Tel Aviv on Saturday and the return flight AI 140 have been cancelled in the interests and safety of passengers and crew.

AI 139 flight was scheduled at 1535 hours (India time), and the return flight from Tel Aviv was at 2210 hours (Israel time) on Saturday.

The time difference between Delhi and Tel Aviv is around 0230 hours.

According to the Air India spokesperson, passengers are being extended all support as per their requirements. (PTI)

Satellite image of multiple fires in Israeli communities along the border with the Gaza Strip as a result of rocket attacks and incursions by Hamas forces. pic.twitter.com/VUKTxAqbeT

— Clash Report (@clashreport) October 7, 2023

The Hamas militant group says it is holding “dozens” of Israeli soldiers captive in the Gaza Strip.Abu Obeida, spokesman for the group's military wing, said the soldiers, including some officers, were captured during a surprise infiltration into southern Israel on Saturday.He said the captives were being held in “safe places” and militant tunnels.If true, the claim could set the stage for complicated negotiations on a prisoner swap with Israel, which is holding thousands of Palestinians in its prisons.Israel in the past has agreed to lopsided exchanges in order to bring captive soldiers home. (AP)