Israel-Hamas War Highlights: UN Security Council to discuss Israel-Hamas war

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On Monday afternoon, five UN fuel tankers were observed entering Gaza, according to CNN, which cited a coworker at the Rafah border crossing between Egypt and Gaza.

Since before the 7 October Hamas attack, fuel trucks have not entered the area.

As we previously reported, there has been some movement of fuel tankers flying the UN flag at the border this morning, but the border crossing between Egypt and Gaza is still blocked.

According to a statement made earlier on Monday by the UN's humanitarian agency (OCHA), hospitals in Gaza would likely run out of generator fuel in the next 24 hours.

At the start of the 25th Knesset's Second Session's Winter Assembly, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared: "This is a moment of genuine struggle against those who have risen up against us to destroy us."

Martin Griffiths, the head of the UN's relief efforts, will go to Egypt on Tuesday for "a mission to last several days," the agency announced.

According to the UN office for the coordination of humanitarian affairs, Griffiths also intends to travel to Israel.

In a previous statement, Griffiths stated that his office was in "deep discussions" with Israel, Egypt, and other parties and that he would be going to the Middle East to facilitate talks to get supplies into the blockaded Gaza Strip. Griffiths also announced that he would be flying to the region.

Canadians in Lebanon should consider leaving while commercial flights remain available, foreign minister Mélanie Joly said. “The security situation in the region is becoming increasingly volatile,” she posted to X.

The IOC Session today elected two members to the IOC Executive Board. HRH Prince Feisal Al Hussein (Jordan) was re-elected to the Executive Board for a second four-year term. Prince Feisal was originally elected to the Executive Board in 2019.

Meanwhile, Ms Kirsty Coventry (Zimbabwe), who previously served on the Executive Board from 2018 to 2021 in her capacity as Chair of the IOC Athletes’ Commission, was elected for a four-year term.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) Special Court Mumbai on 9th October, sentenced two persons to 5 years imprisonment in the Pune Ansarullah Bangla Team (ABT) case for harbouring ABT terrorists.

Delhi High Court judge Siddharth Mirdul appointed chief justice of Manipur HC

Tal Heinrich, Spokesperson for Israeli PMO says, "The IDF continues to target those responsible for that massacre. Over the last few hours, the Israel Defence Forces carried out dozens of airstrikes in the Gaza Strip. The targets included Hamas headquarters, mortar launching positions, and a number of terrorists at a military compound. The IDF also struck the command centre of Ali Qadhi, a commander in the Hamas commando forces who was killed in an Israeli strike two days ago. As the IDF Chief of Staff told our frontline troops, 'attack them everywhere, every commander, every operative'... Finally, Israel appreciates the unconditional and unwavering support of its allies. Prime Minister Netanyahu invited US President Joe Biden to Israel, and we hope to host the president soon. We are truly grateful for the support of the united front against the commons."

Tal Heinrich, Spokesperson for Israeli PMO says, "I want to make this clear that Israel is at war with Hamas and not with the people of Palestine. For the past 96 hours, we have urged Palestinians in Gaza to move to the safer zones in the southern Gaza Strip. We see extensive evidence that Hamas is preventing them from moving and keeping them in harm's way. Innocent civilians should not be used as pawns in this war. It is worth reminding the world that innocent civilians in many places did not get any advanced notice before they were brutally murdered by Hamas terrorists. I was asked yesterday specifically about the state of hospitals in northern Gaza. You see, there are 20 hospitals in that area. The IDF says that six hospitals in the northern Gaza Strip had decided to independently evacuate. However, 14 did not. And I urge you to ask your sources in Gaza why Hamas is exploiting innocent Palestinians and is using them as human shields with zero regard for their safety."

Tal Heinrich, Spokesperson for Israeli PMO says, "Today it is important to highlight what the families told the PM of Israel and what they told the entire nation of Israel, to hold our heads high and to do what must be done against Hamas. Their resilience is our strength. The ones who are aching the most are the ones giving us the most strength. We are also still recovering... The IDF found evidence of Hamas-produced kidnapper's guide. Now the guide explains in gruesome detail how Hamas terrorists should capture and torture kidnapped civilians. We will show you the most recent, the most updated numbers, the official ones that we have. As you can see, over 1,500 Israelis have been killed, and 3,900 injured..."

Six British citizens have died in Israel, according to UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, and ten more are missing, some of whom are presumed dead. He called the Hamas attacks a pogrom.

The UN Security Council said that it will address the Israel-Hamas war on Monday as the crisis worsens and Israel prepares for a ground invasion in Gaza.

According to an AFP report, diplomats said that two competing draft resolutions would be discussed: one sponsored by Brazil that referred to the October 7 Hamas attacks that started the war as an act of terrorism, and one from Russia that called for a ceasefire and the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza without mentioning Hamas.

Arindam Bagchi, presently Additional Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs, has been appointed as the next Ambassador/Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations and other International Organisations in Geneva: MEA

Russian President Vladimir Putin entered the fevered diplomatic fray of the Middle East on Monday, speaking to five of the major players including Iran and leading Arab powers in an attempt to secure a ceasefire in the war between Israel and Hamas.

Russia, which has relationships with Iran, Hamas, major Arab powers as well as with the Palestinians and with Israel, has repeatedly said the United States and the West have ignored the need for an independent Palestinian state within 1967 borders. (Reuters)

The nation of Israel, according to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, is united in its desire for victory, but he also acknowledged that there will be an investigation into the security and intelligence lapses that had allowed Hamas to launch such a catastrophic strike on October 7. He urged everyone to stand together and oppose Hamas.

The unexpected attack resulted in the deaths of over 1,300 Israelis, and Hamas still holds at least 199 hostages that it took back into Gaza.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warns Iran and Hezbollah not to 'test us' in the north, reports AP

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warns Iran and Hezbollah not to 'test us' in the north, reports AP

Global finance leaders' paralysis in addressing the fallout from the Hamas attack and Israel's response last week exposed deep geopolitical divisions hampering the International Monetary Fund and World Bank. (Reuters)

A portion of an under-construction bridge, part of the Mumbai-Goa four-lane highway, collapsed in Maharashtra's Chiplun earlier today.

LIVE News Updates: Grasim board approves raising funds up to Rs 4,000 cr 

Grasim board approves raising funds up to Rs 4,000 cr through rights issue
 

Sri Lanka all out for 209 against Australia in World Cup match in Lucknow.

Same sex marriage judgment to be pronounced by a constitution bench tomorrow: Sources to Moneycontrol

According to Reuters, the Danish minister of defence announced on Monday that Denmark would send a navy frigate to the eastern Mediterranean to join Nato's naval force in preparation for potential evacuations in case that the situation between Israel and Hamas worsens.

Digital Media Content Regulatory Council chairperson Justice (retd) Mukul Mudgal has asked the member OTT platforms to remain "disciplined" and not cross the line that separates good content from "unnecessary profanity".

Speaking to representatives of the member OTT (over-the-top) channels during an interactive session recently, Mudgal noted that it was “very encouraging” that member OTT platforms of the Digital Media Content Regulatory Council (DMCRC) have been abiding by the various regulations and the code of ethics.

“There is a need for everyone to remain disciplined and not cross the line that separates good content from unnecessary profanity,” DMCRC quoted Justice Mudgal as saying in a statement. (PTI)

PM Narendra Modi to inaugurate 17 km priority section of Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut RRTS Corridor on Oct 20: NCRTC Officials

Several opposition leaders, including Mani Shankar Aiyar, Manoj Jha, KC Tyagi and others, issue a joint statement after meeting the Palestinian envoy in Delhi earlier today.

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee virtually addressed and inaugurated the Durga Puja Pandal.

Five coaches of a diesel-electric multiple unit (DEMU) passenger train were engulfed in a fire that broke out near Narayandoh station in Maharashtra's Ahmednagar district on Monday afternoon, but no casualties were reported, Railway officials said. The incident took place when the train was heading to Ahmednagar in western Maharashtra from Ashti station in Beed district, they said.

Dr Shivraj Manaspure, Chief Public Relations Officer, Central Railway, told PTI that no passenger was injured in the blaze which started at around 3 pm.

He said fire engines from Ahmednagar were called to douse the flames.

The cause of the fire was not immediately known. (PTI)

DRI, DGGI, Income Tax conducting probe over alleged Tax evasion by laptop companies: Sources told CNBC-TV18.

- Tax Depts Allege Evasion Via Flouting Country Of Origin Norms
- Tax Depts Allege Evasion Via Value Addition In Terms Of Respective FTA
- Evasion Via Under-Valuation Of Computers & Peripherals Alleged
- DGGI Alleges GST Evasion Due To Under-Valuing Of Products Sold
- DRI, DGGI Examining Several Bills Of Entry Filled Across Ports By Various Importers
- IT Dept Examining Allegations Basis Info From DRI & DGGI

Train going from Ahmednagar to Ashti catches fire; nobody hurt, says railway official

According to the Israel Defence Forces, dozens of strikes were carried out in the Gaza Strip in the most recent few hours.

The Times of Israel cited the IDF as saying that the targets included the Hamas headquarters, mortar launching sites, and several terrorists in a military base.

First State Education Achievement Survey to be conducted on Nov 3, to cover 11 million school students: National assessment regulator PARAKH

We are contemplating making Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) accused in Delhi Excise Policy scam cases: CBI & ED tell SC

Approximately 2,000 students from 25 Jewish day schools worldwide will conduct a joint prayer on Zoom for the soldiers of Israel this evening, Monday, at 8:00 , p.m. local time, The Jerusalem Post reported.

According to Reuters, Israel has killed 11 Palestinian journalists in airstrikes in Gaza since it started carrying out retaliatory operations on 7 October in response to a Hamas invasion into southern Israel. The Palestinian Journalists Syndicate was cited.

The health ministry in Gaza has reported at least 2,750 total fatalities and 9,700 total injuries. (Reuters)

"It is a historic decision to have cricket in the Olympic games," says International Olympic Committee member Nita Ambani on inclusion of cricket in 2028 LA Olympics.

Israel's Minister of Diaspora Affairs, Amichai Chikli says, "I want to tell the people of India - we share the same values, we cherish life, we cherish good...We believe in human values. I want to thank the leadership of India, the people of India for being with us shoulder-to-shoulder in this fight against brutal jihadist barbaric Islamist. This is not just our war, this is your war too and we will win it together with your support."

Pope Francis' representative in the Holy Land said on Monday he was willing to exchange himself for Israeli children taken hostage by Hamas and held in Gaza.

Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Patriarch of Jerusalem, made his comment in response to a question during a video conference with journalists in Italy.

"I am ready for an exchange, anything, if this can lead to freedom, to bring the children home. No problem. There is total willingness on my part," he said. (Reuters)

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has arrived in Tel Aviv for meetings with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Israeli war management cabinet, with the first meeting scheduled for around 6 a.m. ET. Blinken's return to Israel comes as the US works to help American citizens trapped in Gaza and secure the release of hostages taken by Hamas during their October 7 attack. The Israeli prime minister's office had earlier denied any arrangements to open the Rafah border crossing.

A search and seizure action was taken against government contractors, real estate developers, and their associates. About 55 premises were covered during the operation in Karnataka, AP, Telangana, and New Delhi. Incriminating evidence was found, indicating income reduction through various means, leading to unaccounted cash and undisclosed assets. Irregularities in contract receipts utilization were detected. This resulted in significant unaccounted cash and undisclosed assets. Discrepancies in documentation related to purchases and claims for ineligible expenses were found. Large-scale unaccounted cash transactions and unrecorded assets were discovered, amounting to over Rs. 102 crore. Further investigations are ongoing.

The BJP Central Election Committee is expected to convene on October 17th to finalize the selection of candidates for the upcoming elections in the states of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh.

SpiceJet and Engine Lease Finance BV have reached an interim settlement. SpiceJet will make payments of over $2 million to the lessors by January and return the engine by that time. The case is scheduled for further proceedings in February.

The Israeli military reports 199 hostages in Gaza, a higher figure than earlier estimates. Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari confirmed families have been informed, without detailing if this includes foreigners or naming the captors, but most are thought to be held by Hamas.

Congress MP Rahul Gandhi addressed concerns during his visit to Mizoram's Aizawl, discussing the situation in Manipur, saying, "Some months ago, I went to Manipur. The idea of Manipur has been destroyed by the BJP. It is no longer a state, but two states. People have been murdered, women have been molested, and babies have been killed, but the PM doesn't find it important to travel there..."

Hamas has issued a grave warning regarding the deteriorating humanitarian and environmental situation in Gaza. They report that approximately 1,000 Palestinians are still trapped beneath the rubble in the aftermath of recent hostilities. The group emphasises the urgent need for humanitarian intervention to prevent a looming catastrophe.

Contrary to previous reports, Israel has denied the existence of a ceasefire in Gaza. The Prime Minister's Office clarified that there is no official ceasefire in place, following earlier announcements about a potential ceasefire in southern Gaza.

Income levels of the rural consumers have still not gone up . As a result entry-level car and bike segments have not revived and hence remains low during Q2 FY24, SIAM president Vinod Aggarwal

Total 2Ws sold during the same quarter last year were 46,73, 931 units, as per SIAM data

This sales data arrives during the festive season, a period known for an uptick in auto bookings and customer foot traffic as individuals tend to make significant purchases during this time of the year.

It was expected the Wholesale Price Index inflation returned to the positive territory after a gap of five months, with economists predicting that it rose to a six-month high of 0.7 percent in September from -0.52 percent in August.

Israel has commenced an evacuation plan for the residents of 28 villages situated within a 2-kilometer (1-mile) radius of the Lebanon border, as announced by the Israeli military.

In half an hour or so, wholesale inflation data for September will be released by commerce ministry. And it is expected the Wholesale Price Index inflation returned to the positive territory after a gap of five months, with economists predicting that it rose to a six-month high of 0.7 percent in September from -0.52 percent in August.
A rise in WPI inflation, at least in this instance, would be good news for the government as it will help push up nominal GDP growth. The budget for 2023-24 assumed a nominal GDP growth of 10.5 percent, but economists see a chance of the actual number missing this assumption, which could have negative implications for the fiscal deficit and tax revenue growth.

The National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) suspended the enforcement of an order pertaining to the annual general meeting (AGM) of Finolex Cables. This action follows a Supreme Court order for an inquiry against an NCLAT bench for non-compliance with its directives.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with the families of those missing and held captive by Hamas for the first time since the group's assault, which resulted in over 1,300 lives lost. The meeting was held to address concerns of family members who have criticized the government's response to those detained in Gaza.

UN coordinator Lynn Hastings has expressed concern that Israel is heading toward the destruction of Gaza. She emphasized the urgent need for the unconditional release of hostages held by Hamas and called for immediate, unconditional access for delivering life-saving aid to Gaza. Hastings underlined that the delivery of aid should not be contingent on other conditions.

Israel gears up for the next stage of its conflict with Hamas, raising concerns about Gaza's worsening humanitarian crisis. Here's what you need to know about this densely-populated Palestinian enclave:

What is Gaza?
- A narrow strip of land, around 140 square miles, bordered by the Mediterranean Sea, Israel to the north and east, and Egypt to the south. Gaza is one of two Palestinian territories, the other being the Israeli-occupied West Bank.

Who lives there?
- Approximately 2 million people, with a significant youth population (50% under 18), primarily Muslim (98-99%), and some Christians. Over 1 million residents are refugees living in eight recognized Palestinian refugee camps.

Hamas Control:
- Hamas, an Islamist organization with a military wing, has held power since 2006. It emerged from the Muslim Brotherhood and refuses to engage with Israel, considering it an illegitimate occupying force.

Israel's Blockade:
- Israel imposed a tight land, air, and sea blockade since 2007, severely restricting the movement of goods and people in and out of Gaza. The blockade has faced international criticism for its profound impact on living conditions, the economy, and food security in Gaza.

As Israel's conflict with Hamas intensifies, Gaza's ongoing humanitarian crisis deepens.

An Illinois man faces hate crime charges for fatally stabbing a 6-year-old Muslim boy and injuring his mother in an attack driven by religious targeting and a response to the Israel-Hamas conflict. The boy was stabbed 26 times, and his mother sustained multiple stab wounds. The incident occurred in Plainfield Township, southwest of Chicago. U.S. President Joe Biden noted that the family were Palestinian Muslims who sought refuge in America for a peaceful life.

UN Chief Antonio Guterres has called for Hamas to release all hostages without conditions and requested Israel to grant swift, unimpeded access for humanitarian aid to Gaza's civilians. Guterres emphasized the critical humanitarian needs in the region.

Israel's closure of Gaza's border crossings, imposing a complete siege, has made the Rafah crossing with Egypt the sole route for people and supplies. The US embassy warns of potential sudden Rafah openings, and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken confirms its future opening after meeting with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi.

US President Joe Biden has warned Israel that any occupation of Gaza would be a “big mistake”. Speaking in an interview on US television, the prez said he supported the creation of a humanitarian corridor for people in Gaza to leave and aid to be delivered.
Also, he said in the interview that Hamas militants, which launched a surprise attack in Israel on October 7, needed to be eliminated.
"Israel has one of the finest fighting forces in the country. I guarantee we're gonna provide them everything they need," Biden told the CBS television.

Rural Electrification Corporation (REC) signed MoUs with Odisha Power Grid Corporation (OPGC), Avaada Energy, and ACME Solar to boost green energy in Odisha

- Desperate Gaza residents seeking to leave via the Rafah crossing may receive very short notice if it opens, warns the US Embassy in Israel.
- Rafah is the sole passage for exiting Gaza and receiving supplies, but it has seen frequent closures recently.
- Travelers may not know if or how long the crossing will be open, so they are advised to move closer to the Rafah border.
- US Secretary of State Antony Blinken indicated Rafah would open after meeting with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi.

Approximately 500,000 people have fled from northern Gaza to the south in response to Israel's evacuation notice, according to an Israel Defense Forces spokesperson. This represents about half of the population of northern Gaza, where the IDF is preparing for the next stages of its conflict with Hamas. The evacuation advisory followed a complete siege on Gaza, and Israel allowed safe movement along specific routes for residents to travel from Beit Hanoun in the north to Khan Yunis in the south. However, southern Gaza is struggling to accommodate the influx, with overloaded shelters and shortages of essential supplies. Israel has opened water sources to assist the southern Gaza area.

Israel's ambassador to the United Nations, Gilad Erdan, stated that Israel has no interest in occupying Gaza but is committed to eliminating Hamas. This follows US President Joe Biden's warning against occupying Gaza and advocating for restraint. Michael Herzog, the Israeli ambassador to the US, emphasized Israel's lack of desire to occupy or rule over Palestinians in Gaza. Biden has called for the protection of civilians and relief efforts for shortages. Water has been restored in southern Gaza, but the status of electricity for desalination remains unclear.

Over the weekend, large-scale demonstrations in support of Palestinians occurred across Europe as the situation in Gaza continued to deteriorate due to Israeli airstrikes. In Amsterdam, a pro-Palestinian march drew approximately 15,000 participants, resulting in a few arrests. In London, over 1,000 police officers were deployed as thousands of protesters marched from the BBC's headquarters to Downing Street, and the BBC's entrance was splattered with red paint in protest against its coverage of the conflict. In Switzerland, around 6,000 people gathered in Geneva, and about 500 assembled in Bern to denounce what they viewed as the Israeli government's apartheid policy, impunity, and the Gaza Strip's blockade.

-- US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan warns of a potential wider regional conflict in the Middle East due to Israel's response to Hamas attacks.
-- Concerns include the risk of an escalation, a second front opening in the north, and Iran's potential involvement.
-- The US rapidly deploys an aircraft carrier to the eastern Mediterranean and fighter jets to deter potential exploiters of the situation.
-- The Pentagon orders a second carrier strike group to the region as a message of deterrence.
-- The focus is on deterring Iran and Iranian proxies, including Hezbollah in Lebanon.
-- If Hezbollah gets involved, it could trigger a broader regional conflict involving Iran and Saudi Arabia.
-- Israel has accused Iran of backing groups like Hamas in proxy wars, although Iran denies involvement.
-- US President Joe Biden states there's no clear evidence linking Iran to the attacks.

The Chinese foreign minister, Wang Yi, reaffirmed China's support for an independent Palestinian state as a means to resolve the Israel-Gaza conflict. During a call with the Iranian foreign minister, Wang emphasized China's commitment to peace and justice and expressed that the delay in Palestinian statehood is a fundamental cause of the current situation. In a separate call with the Turkish foreign minister, he called for a ceasefire, humanitarian aid routes to Gaza, and a resumption of dialogue between Israel and Palestinian authorities. China has advocated for a "two-state solution" for an independent Palestinian state, which has faced criticism from Israel and the United States.

Gaza hospitals are at risk of shutdown due to fuel shortages, with dire shortages of food, water, medicine, and fuel. Palestinian Red Crescent Director General Marwan Jilani called for a ceasefire to allow aid through the Rafah crossing, which has been largely closed. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken indicated it will reopen after discussions with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi.

US President Joe Biden is considering an invitation from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to visit Israel, with discussions ongoing. The timing is uncertain, and the White House has no new travel plans to announce. The US Senate will receive a classified briefing on the Israel-Hamas conflict and Gaza's humanitarian situation. Briefers include Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, and Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. C.Q. Brown.