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At least 9 US citizens killed in Hamas attack, terror organisation threatens to start killing hostages for each bomb dropped on Gaza

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At least 9 US citizens killed in Hamas attack, terror organisation threatens to start killing hostages for each bomb dropped on Gaza

The deceased from the deadly attack launched on Israel by Hamas, includes at least nine US citizens, US National Security Council spokesperson said, CNN reported on Monday.

“At this time, we can confirm the death of nine US citizens. We extend our deepest condolences to the victims and to the families of all those affected and wish those injured a speedy recovery. We continue to monitor the situation closely and remain in touch with our Israeli partners, particularly the local authorities,” the spokesperson said in a statement, as reported by ANI.

He added, “We continue to monitor the situation closely and remain in touch with our Israeli partners, particularly the local authorities.”

US authorities have been scrambling to establish how many Americans have been killed or taken hostage in the conflict.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken told CNN on ‘State of the Union’ Sunday that the US was “working overtime” to verify reports of missing and dead Americans, and Israeli Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer said Americans are among the “scores” of hostages being held in Gaza, CNN reported.

State Department spokesman Matt Miller told CNN on Monday that US authorities are in close contact with Israel’s government and the families of those affected by the attack.

The US has pledged to provide additional military support in the coming days, though domestic political dysfunction could hamper the response, ANI reported.

Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin announced on Sunday stated that he has ordered the US Navy’s Ford carrier strike group to the eastern Mediterranean, near Israel. The USS Gerald Ford is the Navy’s most advanced aircraft carrier and it is being deployed to the area, along with a guided missile cruiser and four destroyers, as a deterrence measure, CNN reported.

But the current commander of the US Navy’s 5th fleet, which is responsible for US naval operations in the Middle East region including the Red Sea and Gulf of Oman, is still awaiting promotion to deputy commander of US Central Command, which oversees US forces and operations in the region following a hold by Republican Sen. Tommy Tuberville over military confirmations.

Meanwhile, as the Biden administration looks to provide additional assistance to Israel, officials were unsure over the weekend about what could be accomplished without a sitting speaker. Acting Speaker Patrick McHenry has little power outside of recessing, adjourning or recognizing speaker nominations, and it’s unclear whether he can participate in intelligence briefings on the crisis, according to CNN.

It further reported citing administrative officials said they will look to the current USD 100 million in Presidential Drawdown Authority, which allows the rapid dispatch of weapons from existing stocks, to send more aid immediately, according to a person familiar with the discussion. The drawdown will likely need additional funds from Congress, the officials told lawmakers, as per CNN.

Hamas threatens to kill hostages for each bomb dropped on Gaza

The development comes amid an announcement from the Hamas that any death of Gaza civilians in Israeli air strikes will now result in the televised execution of hostages.

Abu Ubaida, spokesman for the Military Wing of Hamas – Al-Qassam Brigades announced on Al Jazeera that they would execute hostages and broadcast it live for each bomb dropped on civilians in Gaza by Israel.

It is notable here that Gaza is one of the most densely populated regions in the world. Hamas has been notorious for hiding its terrorist operations and weapons deep in civilian areas, often using schoolchildren and families as human shields.

In response to the brutal terrorist attack on Israel that killed over 700 civilians and wounded over 2000 others, Israel has declared war on Hamas and has been pounding the Gaza Strip with bombs for 48 hours. The US and other NATO nations have declared support for Israel.

Hundreds of Israelis and foreign nationals are believed to have been taken hostage by Hamas. Hamas has massacred civilians brutally after attacking a music festival, and family homes in Southern Israel. Social media posts have surfaced where Hamas terrorists are seen killing children, women, and the elderly. The exact number of hostages are unknown.

Can Israel be a victim when all countries are supporting it: YouTuber Ravish Kumar downplays Hamas terror attack, floats conspiracy theory

OpIndia Staff
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Can Israel be a victim when all countries are supporting it: YouTuber Ravish Kumar downplays Hamas terror attack, floats conspiracy theory

Two days after Hamas launched a terror attack on the State of Israel and killed 800 civilians in the process, Indian YouTuber Ravish Kumar on Monday (9th October) attempted to paint Hamas as the victim.

“Whose terrorism should be condemned? Who is the terrorist in this case? There is another question – Who is the victim?”, he resorted to shielding the Palestine-based Islamist terror organisation Hamas.

The former NDTV ‘journalist’ suggested that Israel could not be a victim of terror in the ongoing conflict as several powerful Western nations are supporting the Jewish State.

“We have seen an interesting nomenclature in several writings – one is being called a victim (aka Palestine) and another is dubbed as the victim of victims (aka Israel)… Both of them are accused of terrorism and both are victims…Powerful Israel, accused of occupation (in Gaza) is also a victim,” Ravish Kumar claimed.

The former ‘scribe’ made a case for Hamas by claiming that the terror organisation in Palestine is not as ‘powerful’ as Israel. “Now imagine the flight of those who are weak (in front of Israel)…Most nations are with Israel and it is still the victim of ‘victims.’ Not even a handful of countries are with Palestine,” he brazened out.

In a bid to pacify his large follower base of Hamas sympathisers, Ravish Kumar inquired, “Are these countries doing justice (by siding with Israel) or amplifying terror (of Israel) in the name of combating terrorism?”

Later in his monologue, the YouTuber insinuated that the Benjamin Netanyahu-led Israeli government orchestrated the attacks on its citizens for political mileage.

“Even a month ago, Netanyahu did not have this level of popular support…Should we leave this question out as to how Hamas intruded into the border of Israel? I am sure the answer to this question…” he cast aspersions on Israel instead of questioning Hamas terrorists.

Ravish Kumar made the contentious remarks during his 39-minute-long rant on his YouTube channel on Monday (9th October).

Similar claims were earlier peddled by ‘journalist’ turned politician Prashant Kanojia, who alleged, “Elections in Israel are going to take place soon. The current Israeli Prime Minister is also a coward like the Prime Minister of another nation. He also wants to attack his own citizens and win elections.”

This is not the first time that Ravish Kumar has resorted to whitewashing extremists, responsible for widespread violence. In August 2020, he tried to absolve the radical Islamists of their complicity in the Bengaluru riots.

In his usual sober voice, which helps propaganda sound seamlessly soothing, Ravish claimed on Friday, “Jo dangai hota hai vo dangai hota hai. Na toh unha Hindu mazhab see koi matlab hota hai na hi koi Muslim mazhab see koi matlab hota hai (A rioter is a rioter. He has nothing to due with Hindusim or Islam.)”

Ravish further claimed, “Rioters look for a reason to be provoked. Those who know this game plan are well acquainted with the fact that a post can attract mobs who will unleash.” Through his claims, Ravish tried to deny the ‘communal angle’ in the Bengaluru carnage. 

Israel: Fauda actor Lior Raz joins volunteer group ‘Brothers in Arms’ to rescue families from Hamas attack, witnesses rocket fire

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Israel: Fauda actor Lior Raz joins volunteer group ‘Brothers in Arms’ to rescue families from Hamas attack, witnesses rocket fire

 Israeli actor Lior Raz, known worldwide for the television series ‘Fauda’ which he drew on experiences in Israel Defence Forces (IDF), took to the front lines of Israel’s war against Hamas by joining a group of volunteers ‘Brothers in Arms’.

From the southern Israeli town of Sderot, the actor shared a video on social media that showed him accompanied by the president of the Israel Democracy Institute Yohanan Plesner, and journalist Avi Yissascharov.

“Accompanied by Yohanan Plesner @yplesner and Avi @issacharoff , I headed down south to join hundreds of brave “brothers in arms” volunteers who worked tirelessly to assist the population in the south of Israel. We were sent to the bombarded town of Sderot to extract 2 families,” posted Raz on social media platform, X.

In the video, they can be seen witnessing a rocket attack on Israel by Hamas.

Notably, Israel has begun its retaliation after a surprise attack by Hamas on Saturday morning which led to the death of as many as 700 Israelis and 2,300 others were injured. In a stern warning to Hamas, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday said that though Israel did not start this war but will finish it.

As part of its retaliation against Hamas, Israel has mobilised 3,00,000 troops. This is the largest mobilisation since the 1973 Yom Kippur War when Israel called up 400,000 reservists, Times of Israel reported.

“Israel is at war. We didn’t want this war. It was forced upon us in the most brutal and savage way. But though Israel didn’t start this war, Israel will finish it,” said Netanyahu in an address to the nation.

The Israeli military is going on the offence against Hamas with a force “like never before,” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed.

Hamas said civilian hostages would be executed without warning and the killings broadcast if Israel targets people in Gaza. The group claims to be holding more than 100 hostages, including Israeli army officers, according to CNN. 

(This news report is published from a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has not been written or edited by OpIndia staff)

Akshay Kumar rubbishes reports that he has returned as brand ambassador for Vimal Pan masala, says these are previously shot ads

OpIndia Staff
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Akshay Kumar rubbishes reports that he has returned as brand ambassador for Vimal Pan masala, says these are previously shot ads

On 9th October (Monday), Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar refuted media reports that he has returned as brand ambassador for the leading chewable tobacco (gutkha) brand, Vimal Pan masala. Responding to Bollywood Hungama’s report, he fact-checked the Entertainment news portal and lambasted it for carrying out the report which he dubbed as “fake news”.

He noted that the TV commercial advertisements for the gutkha brand Vimal, which have recently been broadcast, were actually recorded on October 13th, two years ago. He emphasized that he publicly disassociated himself from the brand at that time and has had no involvement with it since. However, he also mentioned that the company is legally allowed to continue running these ads until the end of next month. 

Replying to Bollywood Hungama on X, Akshay wrote, “‘Returns’ as ambassador? Here’s some fact check for you Bollywood Hungama, if by chance you are interested in things other than fake news. These ads were shot on 13th October 2021. I have not had anything to do with the brand ever since I publicly announced the discontinuation of the endorsement. They can legally run the already-shot ads till the end of next month. Chill and do some real news.” 

Notably, the latest advertisement for pan masala brand Vimal features Akshay Kumar alongside Shah Rukh Khan and Ajay Devgn. This led to controversy as Akshay had stepped down as the brand ambassador of Vimal last year following criticism from his fans. Previously, he had signed up as a brand ambassador for the company’s Elaichi products. However, Vimal also makes tobacco products, and his endorsement of the brand was seen as an endorsement of those products. 

Israel starts carpet bombing Hamas hideouts in Gaza after the brutal terror attack, PM Benjamin Netanyahu shares video of attacks

OpIndia Staff
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Israel starts carpet bombing Hamas hideouts in Gaza after the brutal terror attack, PM Benjamin Netanyahu shares video of attacks

On 9th October (Monday), Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu took to X to share a video of airstrikes in Gaza and stated that “Israel will win.” In the 62-second video, several buildings, which had been utilised by Hamas for launching rocket attacks against Israel, can be seen being reduced to rubble as a result of aerial bombing.

According to the Israel Defence Forces, the Israeli Air forces are conducting one of the largest air strikes ever against Hamas in Gaza to destroy their ability to terrorise the people of Israel. The IDF has maintained that Hamas launched this war but they will restore security to their country.

Taking to X, the IDF informed that between Saturday and Monday morning, Israeli aircraft hit over 1,200 targets across the Gaza Strip. These Hamas terror sites included weapons storage and manufacturing sites, command and control centres, rocket launchers, and more. It further informed that it would double the number of targets today.

However, they added that Hamas intentionally positions itself deep among the Gazan population which is why Israeli civilians who became targets of Hamas’ attacks are not the only victims of Hamas. Notably, Hamas has been using civilian sites like hospitals, religious sites, or educational institutions to launch rocket or missile attacks and exploit civilians as cannon fodder.   

The IDF demonstrated an example of a site that was hit by the Israeli Air Force. They said, “The Hamas terrorists had used this site which was located next to a mosque and just a football field away from a school. In this case, the mosque was used to launch terror attacks on Israeli citizens.”

The IDF added that Hamas is a terrorist organisation that blatantly disregards human life anywhere. It noted that Hamas will continue to attack until security is restored.

Amidst the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, which entered its third day on 9th October, reports emerged that a fresh round of rockets was fired from Lebanon into northern Israel. Additionally, an official of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that a number of suspects infiltrated into Israeli territory from Lebanon. IDF added that they have neutralised some of the gunmen who tried to infiltrate into Israel from the Lebenon-Israel border.

Meanwhile, the catastrophic Palestinian terror attack on Israel by land, sea, and air which resulted in an unparalleled number of fatalities and hundreds of injuries has drawn condemnation from nations throughout the world. Leaders from across the world, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden have expressed their solidarity and support to Israel.

Furthermore, the EU, Austria, and Germany have announced that they have suspended all aid that was promised to Palestine in the wake of Hamas terror attacks on Israeli citizens. 

EU, Austria, and Germany suspend all aid promised to Palestine in the wake of Hamas terror attacks

OpIndia Staff
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EU, Austria, and Germany suspend all aid promised to Palestine in the wake of Hamas terror attacks

On 9th October (Monday), Austria and Germany announced that they had decided to suspend aid worth tens of millions of euros to Palestinians in response to the Hamas terrorist attack on Israel. They added that the decision had been taken to ensure funds were not flowing into the wrong hands. Both countries asserted that they wanted to review their engagement with the Palestinian territories and discuss it with Israel and international partners. 

Following the announcement of their decision, the European Union (EU) also joined them in supporting Israel over this issue. The European bloc announced that it has also put all its development funding to the Palestinian territories under review in response to Hamas’s attack on Israel. 

Taking to X, the European commissioner for the EU neighbourhood, Olivér Várhelyi wrote, “The scale of terror and brutality against Israel and its people is a turning point. There can be no business as usual.” 

He added, “All payments [are] immediately suspended. All projects are put under review. All new budget proposals, including for 2023 [are] postponed until further notice. Incitement to hatred, violence, and glorification of terror have poisoned the minds of too many. We need action and we need it now.”

Notably, this decision will affect €691mn in aid earmarked for Palestine. 

Earlier, Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg stated that the country was suspending aid worth around 19 million euros ($20 million) for a handful of projects.

Speaking with ORF radio, Schallenberg said, “The extent of the terror is so horrific … that we cannot go back to business as usual. We will therefore put all payments from Austrian development cooperation on ice for the time being.” 

Schallenberg did not distinguish between Gaza, a Palestinian enclave ruled by Hamas, and the West Bank run by the Western-backed Palestinian Authority led by President Mahmoud Abbas.

In recent years, Neutral Austria’s ruling conservatives have adopted one of the most pro-Israel stances in the European Union. On 7th October (Saturday), the Israeli flag was hoisted above the chancellor’s office and the Foreign Ministry after Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel including attacking with rocket barrages and ground invasion by terrorists. 

While Berlin stated that it wanted to ensure that it was fostering peace in the region and sending a sign of solidarity.

Notably, Development Minister Svenja Schulze of the Social Democrats informed that no payments were currently being made for bilateral aid projects as Berlin re-examined its engagement with the Palestinian territories. 

At a news conference, she said, “This is also an expression of our unbreakable solidarity with Israel. We are in contact with our partners there and reviewing everything again.” 

For the current financial year and next year, Germany’s development ministry has earmarked 250 million euros in development funds for bilateral projects in the Palestinian territories. However, it has not specified how much of that it had already disbursed this year.

In recent days, German politicians have underscored their country’s particular duty toward Israel and its security, given the historic responsibility for the Holocaust. On 7th October (Saturday night), the Israeli flag was projected onto Berlin’s iconic Brandenburg Gate.

Responding to the query about whether Britain planned to follow Austria and Germany, the spokesperson for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak stated that Britain had previously provided aid to Palestinian refugees via the United Nations and he was not aware of plans to change the approach. 

Additionally, an EU top diplomat informed that European Union foreign ministers will hold an emergency meeting on Tuesday to discuss the situation, including reviewing aspects of development aid. 

Europe is a primary contributor of development assistance to the Palestinian population, implying that these decisions could carry significant consequences if they inspire other countries to take similar actions. 

Meanwhile, the Israel-Hamas war has entered into its third day. Reports from Israeli local media suggest that around 700 people were killed across the country in the Hamas terror attack. The number continued to rise as more bodies were being recovered. Israel has officially declared war in the wake of the terror attacks.

Hamas terrorists robbed German woman Shani Louk before killing and parading her naked: Report

OpIndia Staff
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Hamas terrorists robbed German woman Shani Louk before killing and parading her naked: Report

Shani Louk, a German woman whose bruised, naked body Hamas terrorists paraded in a pickup truck, was probably robbed as well. In an interview with the German media outlet Der Speigel, the woman’s parents revealed that they had learned via Louk’s bank that her credit card had been used in Gaza.

Shani Louk was attending the ‘Festival for Peace’ party near Kibbutz Re’im when Hamas terrorists invaded the event and attacked the attendees. Videos from the event that went viral showed the people’s horror when the Islamist terrorists arrived at the gathering in the desert.

Her mother Ricarda Louk said in a video shared on X formerly known as Twitter on October 8 that she saw her daughter “unconscious in a car with Palestinians”. She urged people to send them any news or updates about her daughter. She further told Der Speigel, “I just don’t want to admit it yet”.

Amidst the massive terror and on-ground assault on Israel, a disturbing video had emerged showing the Hamas terrorists parading a naked body in a pick-up truck. Hamas initially claimed that the lifeless body was of a female Israeli soldier. However, it has now been ascertained that the woman being paraded in that video was a German tourist named Shani Louk. Apparently, the tattoo on one of the legs of the woman in that video helped in her identification.  

Adi Louk confirmed on X (formerly Twitter) that the woman seen in the video was her sister, Shani Louk, a German citizen, and a tattoo artist, reported the New York Post.

According to Shani’s first cousin, Shani Louk reportedly went missing after Hamas terrorists took control of an open-air festival on Saturday morning. 

Australian media quoted her cousin saying, “It is definitely Shani. She was at a music festival for peace. This is a nightmare for our family.” As per reports, Shani had attended the music festival which was the first site of attack by Hamas terrorists. On Saturday morning Hamas attacked a dance party near Kibbutz Urim and other Israeli communities, unconfirmed videos of such music festivals have surfaced online in which Hamas terrorists can be seen in backdrop paragliding.

According to a social media account that belongs to her, Shani Louk is a tattoo artist and hair stylist. The tattoo seen on the legs of the dead body matches the tattoos seen on her legs in the photos posted by her on Instagram.

So far, around 800 people have been killed in Israel in the Hamas attack, while the number of injured rose to over 2000. Israel has launched a massive military action titled ‘Operation Swords of Iron’ against Hamas in Gaza Strip, in response to the surprise rocker and ground attack by Hamas titled ‘Al-Aqsa flood’.

Israel-Palestine war: Days after deadly Hamas terrorist attack on Israel, Congress party declares support for Palestinians

OpIndia Staff
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Israel-Palestine war: Days after deadly Hamas terrorist attack on Israel, Congress party declares support for Palestinians

The Congress Party expressed its sympathy for Palestinians on Monday (9th October), a day after its General Secretary in-charge of Communications Jairam Ramesh ‘condemned‘ the Palestinian militant group Hamas’ brutal attacks on the people of Israel.

A resolution passed today, 9th October, by the Congress Working Committee (CWC) voiced concern over the situation and urged for a ceasefire. The resolution however backed the Palestinian people’s rights.

Since Saturday, 7th October, over 700 people have been killed in terrorist attacks launched by Hamas on the Israeli defence forces and Israeli citizens. The Congress party’s official statement emphasised the process of “dialogue and negotiations” to resolve the problem between Israel and Palestine.

“The Indian National Congress has always believed that the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people for a life of self-respect, equality, and dignity must be fulfilled only through a process of dialogue and negotiations while ensuring the legitimate national security interests of the Israeli people. Violence of any type never provides a solution and must stop,” an X (formerly Twitter) post by Congress said.

On the third day of arduous gunfights to clear stubborn Hamas fighters whose unexpected attack surprised the nation, Israel’s army announced Monday (9th October) that it had recovered control of southern territories bordering the Gaza Strip.

On Saturday (7th October), a devastating conflict erupted between the terrorist organization Hamas and Israel, resulting in a tragic toll of at least 700 casualties and over 2,000 injuries.

Hamas unleashed over 5,000 rockets from the Gaza Strip into Israel, while also seizing several Israeli soldiers near the border. The terrorists also have held several Israelis hostage including women, children, and the elderly. They have killed several civilians in indiscriminate firing and videos of the incident doing rounds on the internet reveal that they had also paraded women bared and bruised on the streets.

In a video statement, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that Israel was engaged in a state of war and warned that Hamas would face consequences for initiating an attack on Israel.

Netanyahu said, “We are at war, not an operation. Hamas has launched a murderous surprise attack against the State of Israel and its citizens. I ordered first of all to cleanse the settlements of the terrorists who had infiltrated and ordered a large-scale mobilization of reserves. The enemy will pay a price they have never known.”

Following the massive attack on Israel from the Gaza Strip, Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted from his X handle that his thoughts and prayers are with the innocent victims of the attack on Israel by the Hamas terrorists. On India’s stand, Consul General of Israel, Kobbi Shoshani has also thanked India.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “Deeply shocked by the news of terrorist attacks in Israel. Our thoughts and prayers are with the innocent victims and their families. We stand in solidarity with Israel at this difficult hour.”

Hamas is an acronym for Harakat al-Muqawama al-Islamiya, which means “Islamic Resistance Movement” in English. It was founded by Sheikh Ahmed Yassin who was a Palestinian cleric. In 1997, the United States designated Hamas a foreign terrorist organization.

Over 260 bodies of civilians have been recovered from a site where a music festival was underway when the Hamas terrorists started firing indiscriminately. Hundreds of civilians and soldiers alike, including children, have been abducted following the attack.

A German tourist named Shani Louk was abducted and murdered, and her naked body was paraded by Hamas terrorists in a pickup truck inside Gaza. Eye witness accounts state that women in the music festival were raped near the dead bodies of their friends. Many of them were later executed.

Hamas terror attacks: UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to host a Cobra emergency meeting on the ongoing situation in Israel

OpIndia Staff
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Hamas terror attacks: UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to host a Cobra emergency meeting on the ongoing situation in Israel

On 9th October (Monday), UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak informed that he will chair a meeting of the government’s COBRA emergency response committee to discuss the ongoing developments in Israel later in the day. Notably, Sunak has already pledged to provide diplomatic, intelligence, or security support to Israel, if requested. This comes in the wake of attacks on Israeli citizens by Hamas terrorists that began on 7th October.  

After holding a meeting at a business in Newark, Nottinghamshire, Sunak said, “And as I said to the prime minister [of Israel], we will continue to provide – whether that’s diplomatic, intelligence or security support – as they need.” 

He said, “I’m chairing a Cobra with my ministerial colleagues this afternoon when we’ll continue to discuss the situation, but we’re in close dialogue with our Israeli counterparts.”

His office asserted that the UK stands “poised” to help Israel militarily if it is asked for assistance. Further, it added that they are not ruling out evacuating some British citizens from affected areas, emphasising that keeping them safe was their “utmost priority”.

Earlier on 8th October (Sunday), Sunak had a telephone conversation with the Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu. Regarding this, he asserted that the UK was one of Israel’s strongest allies. He also highlighted that Britain had previously provided “the kinds of equipment that they’ve used to defend themselves over the past couple of days”. 

Responding to the query about whether the UK would support Israel if it was to launch a ground operation in Gaza, Sunak’s office said, “We support Israel exercising its right to self-defence and proportionate action to bring an end to the violence.” 

The spokesperson added that there were no plans to redeploy military assets to the area adding that there were currently British assets in the region, including HMS Duncan under NATO control, which is patrolling in the Mediterranean.

Responding to the query about whether the UK thought Iran had any involvement in the encouragement of Hamas’s attacks on Israel, his spokesperson said Hamas was “fully responsible for this appalling act of terror”. However, he added, “We do know Iran poses an unacceptable threat to Israel through its support for Hamas and Hezbollah.”

His office asserted that Suella Braverman, the home secretary, was monitoring reports of increased antisemitic attacks and had spoken with the Community Security Trust. It is the organisation that is working to protect British Jews. There is the possibility that police patrols will be surged in some areas, his office informed.

Meanwhile, the United Kingdom is concerned amid reports that an Irish-Israeli girl, Kim Danti, has been missing since Hamas terrorists launched a surprise attack on Israel in the early hours of 7th October. For this reason, the UK Foreign Office has asked British or dual nationals affected in the Israel-Hamas war to contact its helpline. The Foreign Office has advised against all but essential travel to the region due to the conflict. It has asserted that they may opt to evacuate some British citizens from affected areas. 

Meanwhile, the Israel-Hamas war has entered into its third day. Reports from Israeli local media suggest that around 700 people were killed across the country in the Hamas terror attack. The number continued to rise as more bodies were being recovered. Israel has officially declared war in the wake of the terror attacks.

Israel under attack: Fresh barrage of rockets fired from Lebanon, IDF neutralises gunmen infiltrating from Lebanon border

OpIndia Staff
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Israel under attack: Fresh barrage of rockets fired from Lebanon, IDF neutralises gunmen infiltrating from Lebanon border

Amidst the ongoing Hamas terrorist attack on Israel, which entered its third day on Monday, October 9, reports have emerged that a fresh round of rockets was fired from Lebanon into northern Israel. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that two mortars were launched from Lebanon at northern Israel earlier today.

Warning sirens were sounded in Iftach and Ramot Naftali, two towns in the Upper Galilee region located in northern Israel. Air raid sirens were also heard across Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, according to the IDF.

According to the military, one projectile fell in an open region causing no injuries, and the second projectile missed its target in Lebanon.

A defence journalist working for local media house Times of Isreal, took to X to post a video which was captioned, “Gunfire and explosions reported on the Lebanon border.”

He also quoted an official of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) as confirming that a number of suspects infiltrated into Israeli territory from Lebanon. IDF also confirmed neutralising some gunmen who tried to infiltrate into Israel from the Lebanon-Israel border.

In a post on X, IDF said, “The IDF neutralized a number of terrorist infiltrators who crossed from Lebanon into Israel. We are defending our country and stand ready on all borders.

Local media outlet Times of Israel, meanwhile, quoted a source from Lebanon’s Iran-backed Hezbollah as telling Reuters that it had no part in a cross-border raid in which several gunmen were killed by Israeli forces after breaching the ceasefire line.

Notably, on October 8, Sunday, Iran-backed Lebanese terrorist group Hezbollah declared that they had fired large numbers of artillery shells and guided missiles at the Israeli forces ‘in solidarity’ with its ally Hamas. In response, the Israeli army said it too has fired artillery at southern Lebanon.

Hezbollah and Hamas are Iran-backed Islamist terrorist groups. Both have fought multiple wars with Israel in the past few decades.

“The Islamic resistance (Hezbollah)… attacked three positions of the Zionist enemy in the occupied Lebanese Shebaa farms…with large numbers of artillery shells and guided missiles,” the Lebanese Shiite movement said in a statement, adding it was “in solidarity” with a large-scale air, sea and land attack launched Saturday by the Palestinian group Hamas on Israel.

The attack by the Palestinian terrorist group Harakat al-Muqawama al-Islamiya (Islamic Resistance Movement), popularly known by its acronym Hamas, that began on October 7, left hundreds of people dead and thousands injured in the Jewish nation in one of the deadliest terror attacks. On Monday (October 9) afternoon, the toll was updated to 800.

In response to the unprovoked attack, Israel, on the same day, formally proclaimed a state of war and launched Operation Iron Sword against Hamas.

The catastrophic Palestinian terror attack on Israel by land, sea and air which resulted in an unparalleled number of fatalities and hundreds of injuries has drawn condemnation from nations throughout the world. Leaders from throughout the world, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden have expressed their solidarity and support to Israel.

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