https://sputnikglobe.com/20231031/live-updates-netanyahu-rejects-uns-call-for-immediate-ceasefire-in-gaza-1114613664.html

LIVE UPDATES: Number of Hostages Held by Hamas in Gaza Rises to 240

Sputnik International

On October 7, the Palestinian militant group Hamas staged a surprise large-scale attack on Israel from the Gaza Strip, breaching the border and launching scores of rockets toward the Jewish state.

2023-10-31T05:20+0000

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An overview of a destroyed home the day after an Israeli airstrike on the Palestinian Nuseirat refugee camp, in the central Gaza Strip on October 30, 2023. - Sputnik International

LIVE UPDATES: Number of Hostages Held by Hamas in Gaza Rises to 240

05:20 GMT 31.10.2023 (Updated: 04:30 GMT 01.11.2023)

On October 7, the Palestinian militant group Hamas launched a surprise large-scale attack on Israel from Gaza, breaching the border and firing scores of rockets. Israel retaliated with air strikes and ordered and imposed a blockade on Gaza, home to more than two million people.

The Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), Philippe Lazzarini, told a UN Security Council meeting on Monday that "more than 420 children are being killed or injured in Gaza every day."

According to him, this "surpasses the number of children killed annually across the world’s conflict zones since 2019." Lazzarini warned that "an immediate humanitarian ceasefire has become a matter of life and death for millions," adding that “the present and future of Palestinians and Israelis depend on it."

In a separate development on Monday, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said it was expanding its ground incursion into Gaza and would continue its "large-scale, significant strikes" in pursuit of Hamas militants.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, meanwhile, made it clear that his country would not agree to a cease-fire, saying, "This is a time for war''.

Follow Sputnik’s live feed to learn more.

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03:46 GMT 01.11.2023

Egypt Stations Dozens of Tanks Near Rafah Crossing on Border With Gaza Strip - Reports

Egypt has deployed dozens of tanks and armored vehicles near the Rafah crossing on the border with the Gaza Strip, The Times of Israel newspaper has reported.

The newspaper reported, citing pictures taken near the border crossing, that around dozens of Egyptian tanks had been stationed in the area as Egypt is concerned over a possible influx of tens of thousands of refugees from the Gaza Strip following further escalation there.

03:44 GMT 01.11.2023

Israeli Military Attacking Gaza City From 5 Different Directions - Reports

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) is attacking Gaza City in the Gaza Strip from five different directions, the Al Arabiya broadcaster reported.

The Israeli forces are conducting the attack on the capital of the Gaza Strip from five directions accompanied by airstrikes and artillery shelling, the report added.

On October 27, IDF spokesman Daniel Hagari said that the military was expanding its ground operations in the Gaza Strip.

03:43 GMT 01.11.2023

EU Calls Current Tense Situation in West Bank 'Settler Terrorism' Against Palestinians

The European Union has condemned a growing number of attacks by Israeli settlers on Palestinians in the West Bank amid ongoing hostilities in the Gaza Strip, with the lead EU spokesperson for external affairs, Peter Stano, calling the situation "settler terrorism."

"The upsurge of settler terrorism in the West Bank has led to very high numbers of civilian casualties and Palestinian communities being forced out of their homes. The situation could get out of control and is causing unspeakable suffering to local communities. Urgent measures are needed," Stano said in a statement on Tuesday.

The spokesman added that Israel "has the duty" to protect civilian population in the West Bank from extremist violence and hold perpetrators accountable.

EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell also on Tuesday condemned attacks by Israeli settlers against Palestinian people in the West Bank and expressed concern over the situation there.

03:28 GMT 01.11.2023

Biden, King of Jordan Oppose Displacement of Palestinians Outside of Gaza - White House

US President Joe Biden and King of Jordan Abdullah II agreed during a phone call that Palestinians should not be forcibly displaces outside of the Gaza Strip, the White House has said in a statement.

"President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. spoke today with His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan ... They also agreed that it is critical to ensure that Palestinians are not forcibly displaced outside of Gaza," the statement read.

The US president and the king also affirmed their commitment to work together and with other regional partners to set the conditions for a "durable and sustainable peace in the Middle East" to include the establishment of a Palestinian state.

03:26 GMT 01.11.2023

Colombian President Gustavo Petro Says Recalled Ambassador from Israel

Colombian President Gustavo Petro said on Tuesday that Bogota would recall its ambassador to Israel over the "massacre of the Palestinian people".

"I have decided to recall our ambassador in Israel for consultations. If Israel does not stop the massacre of the Palestinian people, we cannot be there," Petro said via X (formerly Twitter).

Colombia becomes the third Latin American country to break diplomatic relations or recall ambassadors from Israel, following up on Bolivia and Chile.

03:23 GMT 01.11.2023

White House Says Biden Would Veto House Supplemental Bill on $14.3Bln Aid to Israel

US President Joe Biden would veto the House supplemental bill on $14.3 billion aid to Israel since it would politicize assistance to Israel, the White House has said.

"The [Biden] Administration strongly opposes House passage of the Israel Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024, a bill making emergency supplemental appropriations to respond to the attacks in Israel for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2024, and for other purposes ... It inserts partisanship into support for Israel, making our ally a pawn in our politics, at a moment we must stand together ... If the President were presented with this bill, he would veto it," the White House said in a statement on Tuesday.

The Biden administration also criticized the bill on the Israel aid since it provides no aid for Ukraine at all, which would "send a terrible message" to Russia, the statement added.

The Israel Security Supplemental Appropriations Act was unveiled by US House Republicans on Monday and is expected to be brought to the House floor later this week.

02:43 GMT 01.11.2023

Blinken to Visit Israel on Friday, Followed By Other Stops in Region - Reports

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken will visit Israel on Friday to meet with Israeli government officials amid the Israel-Hamas conflict, Reuters reported.

The report said on Tuesday that Blinken will also make additional stops in other countries in the Middle East.

Media reported earlier that the United States and Israel are looking into various options for dealing with a possible post-Hamas Gaza, which may include placing the enclave under temporary United Nations oversight or deploying a multinational force to maintain security.

Earlier on Tuesday, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that the Palestinian Authority taking over Gaza’s governance and security would “make the most sense” after the current conflict with Israel ends. He added that having Hamas or Israel run Gaza were not options.

02:38 GMT 01.11.2023

WHO Delivers Medical Aid to Only 370,000 People in Gaza Strip Since October 7 - Chief

The World Health Organization (WHO) has managed to transport health aid for only 370,000 out of 2 million people living in the Gaza Strip since the start of the hostilities in the area on October 7, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said.

"The conflict started on 7 October, the first aid crossing was on 21 October. Since then, the WHO has only been able to transport enough supplies for approximately 370,000 people, including for traumatic wound and burn care, and treatment for serious chronic conditions. The population of Gaza is over 2 million," Ghebreyesus wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter, on Tuesday.

The WHO chief stated that the organization needs immediate access to deliver more health supplies, while urging all sides to guarantee safe movement for humanitarian convoys. Ghebreyesus also called for an "immediate humanitarian pause" in the area.

"There's no time to waste. Every moment matters," the WHO head added.

02:34 GMT 01.11.2023

An Israeli army soldier advances during a drill at a position in the upper Galilee region of northern Israel near the border with Lebanon - Sputnik International, 1920, 01.11.2023

World

US, Israel Mull Having Multinational Force Oversee Gaza When War Ends - Report

1 November 2023, 02:07 GMT

01:31 GMT 01.11.2023

UK's Sunak Holds Phone Calls With Israel's Netanyahu, Palestine's Abbas on Gaza

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has had separate phone conversations with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and leader of the Palestinian National Authority Mahmoud Abbas to discuss the current situation in the Gaza Strip, the UK government said.

"The [UK] Prime Minister spoke to Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu this afternoon. The Prime Minister stressed the importance of rapidly increasing the flow of humanitarian aid to Gaza and welcomed Israel’s commitment to facilitate significantly more deliveries. He said the UK would support all efforts to ensure life-saving aid reaches those in need, including temporary humanitarian pauses," the government said in a statement on Tuesday.

During the conversation with Abbas, Sunak said that the UK would continue to take diplomatic efforts to protect Palestinians and prevent further escalation.

"The Prime Minister set out the intensive diplomatic and practical efforts the United Kingdom is making to rapidly increase the delivery of life-saving aid to Gaza, following the announcement that the UK will double aid funding for Palestinian civilians," the statement added.

23:46 GMT 31.10.2023

French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin - Sputnik International, 1920, 31.10.2023

World

France Mobilizes 10,000 Police Officers to Guard Jewish Sites

31 October 2023, 23:46 GMT

22:01 GMT 31.10.2023

IDF Says Eliminated 50 Hamas Militants in Northern Gaza Strip in Past Day

About 50 members of Palestinian group Hamas have been eliminated in the northern Gaza Strip over the past day, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said on Tuesday.

"Over the past day, IDF troops commanded by the Givati Brigade operated in a Hamas military stronghold in the northern Gaza Strip. During their ground activities today, the troops killed approximately 50 terrorists," the IDF said on Telegram.

21:53 GMT 31.10.2023

Two French Children Die in Gaza Strip - Foreign Ministry

Two French children have died in the northern Gaza Strip, while their mother and another sibling have been injured, the French Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday.

"France was saddened to learn of the death of two French children who were in the northern Gaza Strip with their French mother. She herself was wounded, as was her third child," the ministry said.

The French Consulate General in Jerusalem has been unable so far to establish direct contact with the family and ascertain its situation, it added.

"We urgently ask that all foreign nationals, and our compatriots in particular, be allowed to leave Gaza. The Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs is doing everything we can in this regard," the press release read.

Moreover, Paris reiterates its call for a humanitarian truce to enable "continuous, swift, secure and unhindered" access to humanitarian aid for those who need it, the ministry said.

Last week, France's government announced sending a helicopter-carrier with medical aid to Gaza and said it hoped to evacuate about 170 French nationals stranded in the Palestinian exclave. A total of 35 French nationals have been killed so far in the course of hostilities between Israel and Palestinian movement Hamas, while another nine count missing.

21:45 GMT 31.10.2023

More Than 80 People to Be Transferred From Gaza to Egypt for Treatment - Border Authority

More than 80 people in critical condition will be transferred from the Gaza Strip to Egypt for treatment on Wednesday, the border crossing authority said on Tuesday.

Earlier in the day, Egypt’s Al Qahera News reported that the Rafah border crossing will open on Wednesday for injured Palestinians.

"The border crossing authority reports that it has been informed by the Egyptian side that tomorrow, November 1, 81 seriously injured people will be sent for treatment to hospitals in the Arab Republic of Egypt," the authority said in a statement.

21:44 GMT 31.10.2023

Fuel Shortage in Gaza Raises Concerns for Healthcare, Infrastructure - White House

The White House is concerned over the critical shortage of fuel in Gaza and the potential threat that this poses to hospitals and water pumps in the territory, Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby said on Tuesday.

"No fuel has gotten in and the existing stocks are dang near down to zero. And that's that's perilous here for the hospitals for the water pumps. And so we're working hard with Israel to make sure we can find some accommodations to get fuel," Kirby said during a press briefing.

Kirby said that he has heard the argument that supplying fuel to the territory would aid Hamas. But he emphasized the need for clarity on this matter and stressed that there had been no indication that Hamas has obtained any of the humanitarian assistance provided to Gaza.

"It goes from these UN trucks, to humanitarian organizations and the UN for delivery to the people of Gaza," Kirby said.

21:14 GMT 31.10.2023

Egypt's Foreign Minister, UN Mission Chief Discuss Aid for Gaza Strip - Ministry

Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry and Commissioner-General of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), Philippe Lazzarini, have discussed humanitarian aid supplies to the Gaza Strip, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday.

The meeting took place at the Egyptian Foreign Ministry in Cairo.

"The parties shared their assessments of Egypt's efforts as well as of the coordination among Cairo, the UNRWA, assistance agencies and international organizations for the delivery of humanitarian and emergency assistance on a continuous basis and safely through the Rafah border crossing," the ministry said in a statement.

The third batch of humanitarian aid was delivered from Egyptian territory to the Gaza Strip via the Rafah border crossing on October 21. Rafah is the only border crossing between Egypt and the Gaza Strip.

21:12 GMT 31.10.2023

Bolivia Breaks Diplomatic Relations With Israel - Report

Bolivia has decided to cut diplomatic ties with Israel over "crimes against humanity," Reuters reported on Tuesday, citing the Bolivian Foreign Ministry.

Bolivia already severed diplomatic relations with Israel in 2009 and reestablished ties again in 2020.

21:11 GMT 31.10.2023

Biden to Discuss Gaza Humanitarian Situation With Jordanian King

President Joe Biden is scheduled to hold talks with King Abdullah II of Jordan to address the deteriorating humanitarian crisis in Gaza, Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby said on Tuesday.

"President Biden will speak with His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan this afternoon to discuss further cooperation with our partners to address this worsening humanitarian situation," Kirby said during a press briefing.

19:44 GMT 31.10.2023

Muslim Democrats Demand Biden Forces Ceasefire in Gaza Fighting

President Joe Biden must act immediately to force a ceasefire in Gaza where at least 8,000 Palestinians have been killed in retaliatory Israeli Army actions or he will face losing Arab American support in critical swing states in next year's presidential election, the National Muslim Democratic Council (NMDC) said in a letter to the US leader on Tuesday.

"The situation in Gaza has reached a critical juncture, nearing a complete humanitarian catastrophe, and we implore you to take immediate action to secure a ceasefire by Tuesday, October 31st at 5 pm EST [Eastern Standard Time]," the letter said.

The massacre of over 8,000 Palestinians and the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza were both unacceptable, the letter said

"We call on the White House to urgently advocate for an immediate ceasefire. Your administration's unconditional support, encompassing funding and armaments, has played a significant role in perpetuating the violence that is causing civilian casualties and has eroded trust in voters who previously put their faith in you," the council wrote.

The US state of Michigan in the 2020 presidential election was decided by a mere 2.6% margin and holds 16 electoral votes. Ohio, Iowa, Florida, Arizona, Nevada, Georgia, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee are also critical states where significant blocks of Arab American voters resided, the letter noted.

19:39 GMT 31.10.2023

US Senate Confirms Jack Lew as Ambassador to Israel

The US Senate on Tuesday confirmed the nomination of Jack Lew to serve as the United States’ Ambassador to Israel, amid an effort by the Biden administration to back Israel in its conflict with Hamas.

Senators approved of Lew’s nomination in a 53-43 vote.

US President Joe Biden nominated Lew, who previously served as Treasury Secretary, in September. The ambassadorship has been vacant since Tom Nides stepped down from the role in July.

The Senate confirmed Lew in the wake of Hamas’ surprise attack on Israel earlier this month, which sparked a state of war in the country. The Biden administration and most lawmakers have expressed support for Israel, including proposing billions of dollars in emergency military aid.

19:37 GMT 31.10.2023

Americans Still Unable to Make it out of Gaza, US Making Progress on Issue - US State Dept.

American citizens and foreign nationals trapped in Gaza have not yet been able to leave the region safely, though the United States is making headway on the issue, State Department Spokesman Matthew Miller said on Tuesday.

"They have not been able to get out [of Gaza] as of yet. I will say that we are making very good progress on this issue. You may have seen some reports that have moved from the region just in the last few hours about the possibility of Rafah gate opening tomorrow," said Miller during a press briefing.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken said earlier on Tuesday that there are roughly 400 American Citizens and their families trying to get out of Gaza as soon as possible and that this issue is a top priority for the United States.

The Rafah crossing is the main entrance and exit point to the Gaza Strip from Egypt. It is controlled by Egypt and has become the focal point of efforts to deliver aid to Palestinians since the beginning of the conflict on October 7. Though aid trucks have recently been permitted to move across the border into Gaza, no foreign nationals have yet been allowed to leave.

18:42 GMT 31.10.2023

Pentagon Says US Aware of Thwarted Houthi Missile Strike on Israel

The United States is aware of an attempted missile strike on Israel by Houthi forces in Yemen, Pentagon Press Secretary Pat Ryder stated on Tuesday.

“We are aware that the Houthis did fire a medium-range ballistic missile — or cruise missile — targeting Israel. The IDF did take it down,” Ryder stressed during a press briefing.

The US will continue to monitor such attempted strikes, Ryder added.

The Houthis have missiles with a range of approximately 2,000 kilometers (about 1243 miles), Ryder said, although he declined to clarify whether the recent missile was of a ballistic or cruise variety.

The attempted strike on Israel comes amid a conflict between Israelis and Palestinian Hamas fighters, which has sparked broader tensions in the region.

18:40 GMT 31.10.2023

IDF Spokesman Confirms Israel Struck Jabalia Camp in Gaza Strip

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) struck the Jabalia camp in the Gaza Strip on Tuesday, spokesman Lt. Col. Richard Hecht said, adding that the death of civilians is a consequence of a "tragedy of war."

"This is the tragedy of war," Hecht told an American broadcaster when asked about civilian deaths in the refugee camp.

18:13 GMT 31.10.2023

Hamas Commander, One of Leaders of October 7 Attack Killed in Gaza Strip - IDF

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said on Tuesday that a commander of Hamas, Ibrahim Biari, was killed in the Gaza Strip.

“The IDF and ISA [Israel Security Agency] killed the Commander of Hamas' Central Jabaliya Battalion, one of the leaders of the murderous terror attack on October 7th. A short while ago, IDF fighter jets, acting on ISA intelligence, killed Ibrahim Biari, the Commander of Hamas' Central Jabaliya Battalion,” the IDF wrote on its Telegram channel.

18:07 GMT 31.10.2023

Hamas Says IDF Suffered Heavy Casualties in Gaza Strip

Hamas' military wing, the Qassam Brigades, said on Tuesday that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has suffered heavy casualties during clashes in the Gaza Strip in recent days.

IDF tanks have been spotted near the Gaza City, while the military has said that it is expanding ground operations in the Palestinian exclave.

"Our fights killed and wounded a large number of enemy soldiers," spokesman Abu Obaida stated in an address, broadcast by the media.

The spokesman also announced that Hamas will release a number of foreign hostages in the next few days.

"We informed the mediators that in the coming days we will release a number of foreigners," Abu Obaida said.

18:05 GMT 31.10.2023

Rafah Border Crossing to Be Opened on Wednesday for Injured Palestinians - Reports

The Rafah border crossing between Egypt and the Gaza Strip will be opened on Wednesday for injured Palestinians, an Egyptian news agency reported on Tuesday, citing sources.

Over 130 trucks with humanitarian aid have entered the Gaza Strip from Egypt through the Rafah border crossing since October 21, according to the Egyptian media.

16:54 GMT 31.10.2023

Blinken Says Palestinian Authority is Best Option to Govern Gaza

“What would make the most sense would be for an effective and revitalized Palestinian Authority to have governance and ultimately security responsibility for Gaza,” US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said at a Senate Appropriations Committee hearing.

He said that having Hamas or Israel run Gaza were not options.

If the Palestinian Authority was not a possibility, he suggested that there could be temporary governance and security arrangements led by other countries in the region or international agencies, but ultimately, there would need to be a two-state solution.

16:48 GMT 31.10.2023

Israel Fires Phosphorus Munitions at 2 Lebanese Villages Near Border - Reports

The outskirts of two settlements in southern Lebanon have been shelled by Israel with the use of phosphorus munitions, Lebanese media reported on Tuesday.

Several phosphorus shells, purportedly fired from Israel's side of the border, fell in the vicinity of the settlements of Ramyeh and Ayta ash Shab, the report said.

On October 13, Human Rights Watch said that the Israeli military had used white phosphorus munitions against Lebanon and the Gaza Strip on October 10 and 11. The Palestinian Foreign Ministry also accused Israel of using these munitions. The United Nations and the US State Department both said they had no information suggesting Israel had used phosphorus munitions against the Gaza Strip.

16:30 GMT 31.10.2023

Two Israeli Soldiers Killed in Gaza Strip Clashes - IDF

14:40 GMT 31.10.2023

Israeli Plan to Destroy Hamas ‘10% Complete', Say Reports

14:17 GMT 31.10.2023

At Least 400 People Killed, Injured After Israel Hit Jabalia Camp - Gaza Interior Ministry

“According to initial data, the number of victims of the massacre in the Jabalia camp is 400 dead and wounded,” the ministry said in a statement, adding that there are many women and children among the victims.

13:42 GMT 31.10.2023

Malaysian Peacekeepers in Lebanon on High Alert Amid Escalation in Gaza

The Malaysian peacekeepers within the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) are kept on high alert in case the contingent needs to be deployed to the Palestine-Israel conflict zone, Malaysian Defense Minister Mohamad Hasan stated on Tuesday.

"Regarding the conflict in Palestine, as of now, the UN has not made any decision to send peacekeepers to Palestine. Nevertheless, the Defence Ministry, through the Malaysian Battalion (Malbatt) serving under UNIFIL remains on high alert," the defense minister was quoted by a Malaysian newspaper as saying during a parliamentary session.

He also said that deploying foreign troops to a conflict zone is never an easy decision and always requires "a clear mandate from the United Nations."

"The ministry is closely monitoring the developments in Palestine and is ready to provide full cooperation to the Foreign Ministry if needed, both for the evacuation of Malaysian citizens in the affected areas and to ensure the safety of Malbatt members in Southern Lebanon," the minister stressed.

Mohamad stated Malaysia is ready to support global peace initiatives under the auspices of the UN. Right now the country is actively engaged in five international UN missions, including the one in Lebanon since 2007, the newspaper reported.

On October 7, Palestinian movement Hamas launched a surprise large-scale rocket attack against Israel from the Gaza Strip and breached the border, killing and abducting people in neighboring Israeli communities. Israel launched retaliatory strikes and ordered a complete blockade of the Gaza Strip, home to more than 2 million people, cutting off supplies of water, food, and fuel. The escalation of the conflict has resulted in thousands of people killed and injured on both sides.

Since mid-October, the IDF and Hezbollah have been exchanging cross-border fire regularly. In the wake of flaring tensions, acting Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati told Sputnik that authorities were working on maintaining the calm situation inside the country amid the Palestinian-Israeli escalation and stoking fears over Hezbollah opening a northern front.

12:32 GMT 31.10.2023

Russia, Saudi Arabia Discuss Efforts for Immediate Ceasefire in Gaza Strip

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud have discussed the importance of efforts for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip to protect civilians, the Saudi Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday.

"They [the foreign ministers] stressed the importance of the role of the international community in achieving an immediate ceasefire to fully protect civilians, and in finding a just and comprehensive solution to the Palestinian issue in a manner that realizes the aspirations of the brotherly Palestinian people," the ministry wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.

12:23 GMT 31.10.2023

UN Telecom Agency Says Engaging With SpaceX on Possible Use of Starlink in Gaza

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and other UN agencies are in contact with SpaceX regarding the option of using the Starlink internet service in Gaza, but the delivery of the necessary equipment is challenging, an ITU spokesperson told Sputnik on Tuesday.

"ITU, together with other UN agencies, have been engaging with SpaceX on a possibility to use Starlink services in Gaza. At the moment, delivery of required terminal equipment into Gaza remains challenging," the spokesperson said.

Elon Musk said on Saturday that SpaceX would support communications with internationally recognized aid organizations in Gaza amid a telephone and internet blackout. Musk added that SpaceX would first carry out a security check with both the US and Israeli governments "before turning on even a single terminal."

Israeli Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi has threatened to cut all ties with Starlink and oppose the move, citing concerns that Hamas will "use it for terrorist activities."

12:19 GMT 31.10.2023

Number of Hostages Held by Hamas in Gaza Rises to 240 - IDF

The number of people taken hostage by Hamas in the Gaza Strip has risen to 240, as the identification process continues, the chief spokesman for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), Daniel Hagari, said on Tuesday.

On Monday, the IDF said 238 hostages were held in Gaza.

"So far, the families of 240 hostages have been notified. As I say this, the number has risen to 240, since as I have explained, identification is complex. Some of the hostages are not Israeli citizens, and the process is complex," Hagari stated at a briefing.

He reiterated that Israel is making every effort to release the hostages.

On October 7, Palestinian group Hamas launched a surprise large-scale rocket attack against Israel from the Gaza Strip and breached the border, killing and abducting people in neighboring Israeli communities. Israel launched retaliatory strikes and ordered a complete blockade of the Gaza Strip, home to more than 2 million people, cutting off supplies of water, food, and fuel. On October 27, Israel launched a large scale ground incursion inside the Gaza Strip to eliminate Hamas fighters and rescue the hostages. The escalation of the conflict has resulted in the deaths of around 1,400 people in Israel and over 8,000 in the Gaza Strip.

12:13 GMT 31.10.2023

Israel Intercepts Surface-to-Surface Missile Flying From Red Sea

Israel has intercepted a surface-to-surface missile that was flying from the Red Sea, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported on Tuesday.

"A surface-to-surface missile launched against the territory of the Israel from the Red Sea area was successfully intercepted by the Arrow long-range anti-missile system. The air force detection systems tracked the trajectory of the missile, and it was intercepted at the most appropriate time and the most appropriate place," the IDF stated.

12:11 GMT 31.10.2023

US Attempted to Pressure Malaysia Into Condemning Hamas' Actions - Prime Minister

The United States attempted to put pressure on Muslim-majority Malaysia because of its refusal to condemn the actions of Hamas in the latest escalation of the group's tensions with Israel, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said on Tuesday.

"The Malaysian envoy to the United States was called by American authorities which questioned our stance on the conflict, especially the violence inflicted by Israel on Gaza. [...] I was informed by the Foreign Ministry that Malaysia received a demarche from the US Embassy on Oct 13," the prime minister was quoted as saying by a Malaysian news agency.

He stated the reason for this pressure was Malaysia's refusal to condemn Hamas' actions as well as to claim Hamas as a terrorist organization.

"Our ambassador firmly stated our position," the official added, answering questions in the parliamentary session.

Ibrahim stated that on October 30, Malaysia was called on by the US embassy official to warn a certain country via diplomatic channels to refrain from taking advantage of the escalated conflict. The prime minister did not disclose the name of the country.

On October 7, Palestinian group Hamas launched a surprise large-scale rocket attack against Israel from the Gaza Strip and breached the border, killing and abducting people in neighboring Israeli communities. Israel launched retaliatory strikes and ordered a complete blockade of the Gaza Strip, home to more than 2 million people, cutting off supplies of water, food, and fuel. The escalation of the conflict has resulted in the deaths of around 1,400 people in Israel and over 8,000 in the Gaza Strip.

11:21 GMT 31.10.2023

Israel's Netanyahu Tried to Persuade EU to Get Egypt to Accept Gazan Refugees - Reports

People inspect the ruins of a building destroyed in Israeli strikes in Gaza City on October 8, 2023. - Sputnik International, 1920, 31.10.2023

World

Netanyahu Urged EU to Have Gaza Refugees Escape to Egypt - Reports

31 October 2023, 11:20 GMT

11:15 GMT 31.10.2023

Death Toll in Gaza Strip From Israeli Strikes Exceeds 8,500 - Health Ministry

"The death toll due to Israeli aggression has risen to 8,525, including 3,542 children and 2,187 women, and 21,543 people sustained injuries of varying degrees," the Palestinian Health Ministry said in a statement.

10:26 GMT 31.10.2023

Top Iranian Diplomat Leaves for Qatar to Discuss Conflict in Gaza Strip

Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian embarked on an official visit to Doha on Tuesday to discuss the current escalation of the Palestine-Israel conflict with high-ranking Qatari officials, the Iranian Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday.

"Our country's Foreign Minister Amirabdollahian flew from Tehran to Doha to hold talks with senior Qatari officials... The main topics of the talks will be consultations and exchange of views with the Qatari authorities regarding events in Palestine and an end to the attacks, war crimes and genocide of the Israeli regime against the Palestinian people," the ministry stated on Telegram.

On October 7, Palestinian group Hamas launched a surprise large-scale rocket attack against Israel from the Gaza Strip and breached the border, killing and abducting people in neighboring Israeli communities. Israel launched retaliatory strikes and ordered a complete blockade of the Gaza Strip, home to more than 2 million people, cutting off supplies of water, food, and fuel. The blockade was later eased to allow trucks with humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip. The escalation of the conflict has resulted in thousands of people killed and injured.

10:24 GMT 31.10.2023

Israeli Military Says Destroyed Commander of Hamas' Northern Brigade

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said on Tuesday it had destroyed Nasim Abu Ajina, a commander of the northern brigade of Palestinian movement Hamas.

"Yesterday, based on IDF and ISA [Israel Securities Authority's] intelligence, IDF fighter jets struck the Commander of the Beit Lahia Battalion of Hamas' Northern Brigade, Nasim Abu Ajina, who directed the massacre on October 7th in the [kibbutz of] Kibbutz Erez and [the moshav of] Moshav Netiv HaAsara," the IDF said in a statement.

In the past, Abu Ajina commanded Hamas' aerial capabilities and took part in the development of drones and paragliders of the movement, the Israeli military added.

The IDF also destroyed a house of Hamas Political Bureau Deputy Chairman Saleh al-Arouri in the West Bank, an Israeli newspaper reported. Moreover, the Israeli military killed a man suspected of entering Israel from the Gaza Strip, the media added.

In total, the IDF stated its combat forces had struck approximately 300 targets over the past 24 hours, including anti-tank missile posts, rocket launch posts and Hamas' compounds inside underground tunnels.

On October 7, Palestinian group Hamas launched a surprise large-scale rocket attack against Israel from the Gaza Strip and breached the border, killing and abducting people in neighboring Israeli communities. Israel launched retaliatory strikes and ordered a complete blockade of the Gaza Strip, home to more than 2 million people, cutting off supplies of water, food, and fuel. The blockade was later eased to allow trucks with humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip. The escalation of the conflict has resulted in thousands of people killed and injured.

09:50 GMT 31.10.2023

Stand-Alone Bill on Support for Israel Submitted to US House of Representatives

US dollars. - Sputnik International, 1920, 31.10.2023

Americas

Stand-Alone Bill on Support for Israel Submitted to US House of Representatives

31 October 2023, 09:48 GMT

09:02 GMT 31.10.2023

IDF Says Aircraft Invaded Israeli Airspace Near Eilat Town Near Red Sea

An aircraft has invaded Israel's airspace, prompting air raid alert in the area of the town of Eilat near the Red Sea, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said on Tuesday.

"Sirens sounded in the area of Eilat, southern Israel, concerning a hostile aircraft intrusion," the IDF wrote on Telegram.

06:42 GMT 31.10.2023

Over 800,000 Palestinians Evacuate From North of Gaza Strip - Israeli Military

More than 800,000 Palestinians have evacuated from the northern part of the Gaza Strip amid the escalation of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, spokesman for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Jonathan Conricus said on Tuesday.

"Happy to see that more than 800,000 Palestinians have evacuated from the northern part, from the main combat area," Conricus said in a video address published on X.

He also said Israel "will be ramping up" efforts to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid to the south of the Gaza Strip.

UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said on Monday that since the start of hostilities, more than 1.4 million civilians had to leave their homes in the Gaza Strip.

05:20 GMT 31.10.2023

Death Toll Among Israeli Soldiers Reaches 315 - IDF

The number of Israeli soldiers killed since the start of hostilities on October 7 has reached 315, while another 238 people have been taken hostage and are being held in the Gaza Strip, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesperson RDML Daniel Hagari said on Monday.

"So far, we have informed the families of 315 fallen IDF soldiers, and 238 hostages including infants, children, women, the elderly, and the wounded who are being held by a murderous organization," Hagari told a briefing.