https://sputnikglobe.com/20231014/live-updates-israel-defense-forces-attack-hezbollah-positions-in-southern-lebanon-1114189306.html

LIVE UPDATES: Israel and Egypt Agree to Open Rafah Border Crossing - Reports

Sputnik International

Last week, Hamas launched a surprise large-scale attack on Israel, killing hundreds of people on both sides of the conflict. Israel declared a state of war with Hamas and announced a complete water, electricity and food blockade of the Gaza Strip.

2023-10-14T04:37+0000

2023-12-05T09:22+0000

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LIVE UPDATES: Israel and Egypt Agree to Open Rafah Border Crossing - Reports

04:37 GMT 14.10.2023 (Updated: 09:22 GMT 05.12.2023)

On Thursday, the spokesman for UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said that the Israeli military had notified the United Nations that the entire population of Gaza north - approximately 1.1 million people - and UN staff should relocate to southern Gaza within the next 24 hours. The UN urged Israel to revoke the order because it would be impossible to carry out so large an evacuation in such a short time.

Many countries across the globe have started evacuating their citizens from Israel while the conflict continues to escalate.

Russian President Vladimir Putin urged the parties to the conflict to use diplomacy rather than military force to find a way to end hostilities and return to the negotiating process. The participants in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict must think about the civilian population despite the serious escalation of actions on both sides, Vladimir Putin said.

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03:53 GMT 15.10.2023

Iran Warns Israel that Escalation in Gaza Conflict Threatens Regional War

Israel's Iron Dome anti-missile system fires to intercept a rocket launched from the Gaza Strip towards Israel, near Sderot - Sputnik International, 1920, 15.10.2023

World

Iran Warns Israel that Escalation in Gaza Conflict Threatens Regional War - Reports

15 October 2023, 03:52 GMT

02:06 GMT 15.10.2023

Qatar Demands Lifting Blockade of Gaza Strip - Foreign Ministry

Qatar condemns calls for the forced relocation of residents of the Gaza Strip and insists on the need to lift the blockade of the enclave, the Qatari Foreign Ministry said on Saturday.

On Friday, the Israel Defense Forces urged civilians of Gaza City to evacuate southward "for their own safety." UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said the Israeli military had also notified the UN that the population of Gaza north and the UN staff should relocate to southern Gaza within 24 hours. Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Egypt and other Arab countries have condemned Israel's attempts to force Palestinians to leave their homes in the Gaza Strip.

"The State of Qatar announces its categorical rejection of the attempts to forcibly displace the brotherly Palestinian people from the Gaza Strip, and calls for lifting the blockade on the Strip and providing full protection to civilians under international law and international humanitarian law," the ministry said in a statement, posted on X.

On October 7, Palestinian movement Hamas launched a surprise large-scale rocket attack against Israel from the Gaza Strip, prompting Israel to declare a state of war the following day and launch retaliatory strikes. On October 9, Israel ordered a complete blockade of the Gaza Strip, home to more than 2 million people, cutting off supplies of water, food and fuel. Both Israel and Palestine have reported over 1,000 deaths and thousands of injured as a result of the escalation.

02:04 GMT 15.10.2023

Israel Trying to Convince Qatar to Join Egypt in Creating Camp for Gaza Refugees - Hersh

Israel is trying to persuade Qatar to join Egypt in funding a camp for a million or more refugees from the Gaza Strip, US investigative journalist Seymour Hersh said on Sunday, citing sources.

"In the short term, I have been told by an Israeli insider Israel has been trying to convince Qatar, which at the urging of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was a long-time financial supporter of Hamas, to join with Egypt in funding a tent city for the million or more refugees awaiting across the border," Hersh said in his column published on the Substack platform.

He added that the Israeli government is confident that the Egyptian side will agree to host more than 1 million refugees because of the recent accusations of corruption against US Senator Robert Menendez, "stemming from his business dealings with senior Egyptian officials, and the alleged passing of intelligence about persons serving at the US Embassy in Cairo."

01:42 GMT 15.10.2023

Israel Planning Bomb Attack on Gaza on Sunday, Monday Followed by Ground Operation - Hersh

Israel is planning an attack on Gaza using bombs equipped with the Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) guidance kit, which will lead to the complete destruction of the city on Sunday or Monday, US investigative journalist Seymour Hersh said on Sunday, citing sources.

"The current Israeli war planners are convinced, the insider told me, that the upgraded version of JDAMs with larger warheads would penetrate deep enough underground before detonating - thirty to fifty meters - with the blast and resulting sound wave ‘killing all within one-half mile’ … The insider also said the current planning calls for the JDAMs attack, if authorized, to come as early as Sunday or Monday, depending on the efficacy the forced expulsion of Gazi City and south proceeds, with a ground invasion to follow immediately," Hersh said in his column published on the Substack platform.

01:05 GMT 15.10.2023

Mourners carry the body of Reuters videographer Issam Abdallah who was killed by Israeli shelling during his funeral procession in his hometown of Khiam, southern Lebanon, Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023 - Sputnik International, 1920, 15.10.2023

World

Lebanon to File Complaint With UN Over Israeli Strike That Killed Journalist - Reports

15 October 2023, 01:05 GMT

00:32 GMT 15.10.2023

Lack of Drinking Water in Gaza Posing Risk of Deadly Diseases - WHO

Lack of access to clean water in the Gaza Strip poses a serious risk of deadly epidemics, especially among populations that have no access to health care, World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on Saturday.

"Lack of access to clean water is an immediate risk for water-borne disease outbreaks, which can be deadly among fragile populations with limited or no access to health care," Ghebreyesus said on X.

00:30 GMT 15.10.2023

Blinken, Chinese Foreign Minister Discuss Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken held talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, during which the parties discussed the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Gaza Strip, as well as relations between Washington and Beijing, the US State Department said on Sunday.

"As part of the Administration’s intensive diplomatic engagements to stand with Israel and condemn the terrorist attacks by Hamas, the Secretary reiterated U.S. support for Israel’s right to defend itself and called for an immediate cessation of Hamas’ attacks and the release of all hostages. The Secretary also discussed the importance of maintaining stability in the region and discouraging other parties from entering the conflict," the department said in a statement.

Blinken and Wang also noted the importance of "maintaining open channels of communication and responsibly managing the US-China relationship," the statement read.

23:34 GMT 14.10.2023

US Sends 2nd Strike Group With Aircraft Carrier to Eastern Mediterranean

A picture taken on June 13, 2013 shows the American Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower crossing the Suez canal off the coast of Ismailia port city, east of Cairo - Sputnik International, 1920, 14.10.2023

Military

US Sends 2nd Strike Group With Aircraft Carrier to Eastern Mediterranean - Secretary

14 October 2023, 23:33 GMT

23:28 GMT 14.10.2023

Russia Asks for Vote on Its Resolution on Gaza on Monday - Permanent Mission to UN

Russia has requested a vote on Monday on its draft resolution on a settlement in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict zone, First Deputy Permanent Representative of Russia to the United Nations Dmitry Polyanskiy said on Sunday.

Russia previously prepared a draft UN Security Council resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict zone and the release of the hostages.

"Just an update on our draft of humanitarian resolution on Gaza. We circulated it among the members of the Security Council yesterday and asked for a vote on Monday at 3pm. We expect Brazilian Presidency of the Council to confirm this shortly," Polyanskiy said on X.

23:10 GMT 14.10.2023

Egypt, Turkiye Stress Need to Provide Humanitarian Aid to Gaza Residents

Palestinians look for survivors after an Israeli airstrike in Rafah refugee camp, southern Gaza Strip, Thursday, Oct. 12, 2023. - Sputnik International, 1920, 14.10.2023

World

Egypt, Turkiye Stress Need to Provide Humanitarian Aid to Gaza Residents - Office

14 October 2023, 23:09 GMT

22:37 GMT 14.10.2023

Situation in Gaza to Get Out of Control If Israel Does Not Stop ‘Genocide’ Says Iran

The Permanent Mission of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the United Nations said on Sunday local time that if Israel does not immediately stop "the genocide," the situation in the Gaza Strip could get out of control.

"If the Israeli apartheid’s war crimes and genocide are not halted immediately, the situation could spiral out of control and ricochet far-reaching consequences—the responsibility of which lies with the UN, the Security Council and the states steering the Council toward a dead end," the mission said on X [emphasis original].

21:36 GMT 14.10.2023

US Sec. of Defense Austin Notes to Israeli Minister Importance of Following Law of War in Gaza

US Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin held negotiations with his Israeli counterpart, Yoav Gallant, and noted that Israel should adhere to the law of war to address the humanitarian crisis caused by Israeli strikes on the Gaza Strip, the US Department of Defense said on Saturday.

"Today, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III spoke with Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant to continue consultations on Israel’s response to Hamas’ terrorist attack, following his visit to Israel yesterday … During the call he discussed the importance of adhering to the law of war, including civilian protection obligations, and addressing the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza while Israel continues its operations to restore security," the department said in a statement.

Austin also provided Gallant with an update on US efforts to continue supplying air defense and munitions to Israel, the statement added.

20:55 GMT 14.10.2023

Biden, Netanyahu Discuss US's Military Support for Israel During Phone Call - White House

US President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have had a phone call, discussing the US's military support for Israel as well as coordination efforts on a humanitarian corridor, the White House said in a statement on Saturday.

"This afternoon, President Biden spoke with Prime Minister Netanyahu to reiterate unwavering U.S. support for Israel. President Biden updated Prime Minister Netanyahu on U.S. military support and reiterated his warning against anyone seeking to expand the conflict. President Biden discussed with Prime Minister Netanyahu U.S. coordination with the United Nations, Egypt, Jordan, Israel, and others in the region to ensure innocent civilians have access to water, food, and medical care," the statement read.

In a separate statement, the White House said that Biden had a phone conversation with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas where he offered the US's help in humanitarian efforts.

"President Abbas briefed President Biden on his engagement in the region and his efforts to bring urgently needed humanitarian assistance to Palestinian people, particularly in Gaza. President Biden offered President Abbas and the Palestinian Authority his full support for these important and ongoing efforts," the statement said.

Earlier in the day, media reported that Biden had held separate phone calls with Netanyahu and Abbas.

20:40 GMT 14.10.2023

Biden Holds Separate Phone Calls With Israel's Netanyahu, Palestine's Abbas - Reports

US President Joe Biden has held separate phone calls with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to discuss the Palestine-Israel conflict, media reported, citing Netanyahu's and Abbas' offices.

In his call with Biden, Abbas said that he rejects the displacement of Palestinians from Gaza, The Jerusalem Post reported. The report added that Netanyahu thanked the US president for support in the conflict, including defense and intelligence assistance.

Later in the day, Netanyahu's office released a statement on the prime minister's phone conversation with Biden.

"Prime Minister Netanyahu briefed president Biden on his visit to the Gaza Strip where he saw for himself the horrors perpetrated by Hamas against the families of the area adjacent to the Strip," the office wrote on X.

20:02 GMT 14.10.2023

Major Hospitals in Gaza Strip Completely or Partially Destroyed - Health Minister

All major hospitals in the Gaza Strip have been completely or partially destroyed as result of constant strikes by Israel, Palestinian Health Minister Mai al-Kaila told Sputnik on Saturday.

"The hospital in Beit Hanoun, the only one in the northeastern province, was hit, Al-Durra children's hospital was attacked with white phosphorus munitions prohibited at the international level. Large Indonesian Al-Shifa hospital and the Central Hospital of the Gaza Strip were partially destroyed, with other healthcare institutions also out of operation," the minister said.

19:27 GMT 14.10.2023

Palestine President to Hold Phone Conversation With Biden in Near Future - Abbas' Aide

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas will soon hold a phone conversation with US President Joe Biden to discuss the situation in the Gaza Strip, Abbas' adviser, Mahmoud al-Habbash, told Sputnik on Saturday.

The adviser stated that the talks would be held in the "nearest future."

During the meeting with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken earlier this week, Abbas stressed the necessity to stop Israeli strikes as the primary goal at that stage of the conflict, the aide said.

"To be honest, these is yet to be a positive response from the US [to Abbas' calls]. The US is most responsible for the continuation of this aggression. It provides an unlimited support to Israel by all political and military means," al-Habbash added.

19:21 GMT 14.10.2023

Turkiye Opposes Displacement of Palestinians to Egypt - Foreign Minister

Turkiye is against the displacement of Palestinians to Egypt, and it is necessary to avoid even more civilian casualties in the region amid the Palestine-Israel escalation, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said on Saturday.

"It is necessary to avoid civilian casualties. We see that some countries are trying to present arbitrary repressions of Israel in Gaza as a justified intervention, Such a distorted and inhumane approach leads only to increasing violence and the death of innocent people. I repeat once again that we are inviting Israel to comply with international law. We are against the displacement of Palestinians. We will never approve of the policy of expulsion to Egypt," Fidan said at the press conference with his Egyptian counterpart, Sameh Shoukry, in Cairo.

The minister added that it was necessary to avoid the expansion of the conflict, while saying that Ankara had been in contact with all countries of the region on that matter.

18:58 GMT 14.10.2023

Thousands of Pro-Palestinian Demonstrators Take to Streets of Central London - Reports

The demonstrators marched through the central part of the UK capital, waving Palestine's flags and chanting slogans in support of the independence of Palestine, Sky News reported. People also went by 10 Downing Street where the office of UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is located, with disapproving expressions heard in the crowd, the report added.

Similar protests took place in other UK cities, including Manchester and Edinburgh

17:20 GMT 14.10.2023

Israel Prepares to Launch Ground Operation in Gaza Strip

"Israeli army battalions and soldiers are deployed all over the country and are prepared to increase readiness for the next stages of the war, with an emphasis on a significant ground operation," the IDF said in a statement quoted by press

15:57 GMT 14.10.2023

IDF Conducting Large-Scale Strikes in Gaza Strip