Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:16am on 12 Oct 2023,Thursday International
US President Biden condemns the Hamas attack on Israel as a campaign of brutal cruelty expressing his shock at the terrorists beheading children. Biden said: "This attack was a campaign of brutal cruelty and I never really thought I would confirm pictures of terrorists beheading children." He describes the attack as the "deadliest day" for Jews since the Holocaust, highlighting the deep scars of antisemitism and genocide. Biden reaffirms unwavering support for Israel, denouncing terrorism and vowing to combat antisemitism. He discusses ongoing talks with Israeli leaders and global counterparts, emphasizing America's commitment to Israel's security. Biden pledges to work tirelessly, assist Israel, and ensure the safety of Americans affected by the crisis.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:05am on 12 Oct 2023,Thursday International
Amidst the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict, a video featuring Hamas Commander Mahmoud al-Zahar has surfaced, where he asserts Hamas' ambitions for global domination, stating "Israel is only the first target. The entire planet will be under our law." This alarming message comes as Israel intensifies its fight against Hamas. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirmed his commitment to defeating Hamas, declaring every member of the group as "a dead man." Israel has formed an emergency unity government, emphasizing unity in the face of the crisis. The conflict has left Gaza's 2.3 million people trapped, lacking electricity and water, with nowhere to escape.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 09:01pm on 11 Oct 2023,Wednesday International
British Airways suspended flights to Israel after turning back a plane from Tel Aviv amid security concerns over Hamas rocket fire. Israel's airport authority said rockets were flying around Tel Aviv but not an immediate threat when BA165 was approaching. Virgin Atlantic also halted Tel Aviv flights as airlines prioritize safety. BA said it is monitoring the situation closely and contacting affected customers about refunds or rebooking. Many carriers have suspended Israel flights since Hamas attacked last Saturday, making bookings increasingly difficult. A travel agent said they've been inundated with calls from people trying to return to the UK. The US is working on safe civilian passage from Israel and Egypt as violence escalates, with 11 UN staff killed in Gaza.
Watch: while UK FM @JamesCleverly visits Ofakim in southern Israel, a siren goes off warning of incoming Hamas rocket fire.
— Israel ישראל 🇮🇱 (@Israel) October 11, 2023
This is the reality Israelis live with every day. pic.twitter.com/QF4C4tReqL
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 08:43pm on 11 Oct 2023,Wednesday International
British Foreign Minister James Cleverly had to take cover during a visit to southern Israel as air raid sirens sounded, warning of incoming Hamas rocket fire. The video showed Cleverly's group rushing into a building for safety. He arrived to demonstrate the UK's solidarity with Israel after Hamas's attack. A spokesperson said Cleverly would meet attack survivors and leaders to outline the UK's support for Israel's right to self-defense. The incident occurred as Israel bombed Gaza ahead of a potential ground offensive, while Western allies like the UK condemned Hamas's attack.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 08:20pm on 11 Oct 2023,Wednesday International
The Lebanese group Hezbollah launched anti-tank missiles at an Israeli army post on the northern border on Wednesday. Israel responded with a drone strike on a Hezbollah post amid ongoing clashes following Hamas's Gaza attack. Hezbollah claimed the missile attack was retaliation for Israel killing 3 of its members in strikes on Monday after earlier border incidents. Hezbollah said its missiles caused many Israeli casualties, but Israel said it struck back at the source of fire and at a Hezbollah post, without initial casualty details. Meanwhile, a false rocket alarm sounded in an Israeli village on the tense border. The flare-up highlights rising tensions as conflict persists between Israel and Hamas militant groups in Gaza and beyond.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 08:14pm on 11 Oct 2023,Wednesday Sports
Rohit Sharma struck a record-breaking century to lead India to an emphatic 8-wicket win over Afghanistan in the World Cup. Hasmatullah Shahidi's gritty 80 and Azmatullah Omarazai's gutsy 62 took Afghanistan to 272/8 after opting to bat. Jasprit Bumrah took 4 wickets for his best World Cup figures. But Rohit stole the show reaching his century in just 63 balls, the fastest ton by an Indian in the World Cup. Displaying envious strokeplay, Rohit smashed 131 off 84 in the batting beauty. Kohli scored his consecutive half-century and remained unbeaten on 55 off 56. India overhauled the target in just 35 overs, boosting their net run rate before the crucial Pakistan clash.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:27pm on 11 Oct 2023,Wednesday International
Gaza's sole power station shut down as fuel ran out, affecting essential services including hospitals now limiting work to life-saving care per the Hamas-run health ministry. The blackout comes amid an escalating humanitarian crisis after Israel cut electricity supplies. Earlier, there were reports of potential infiltrations from Lebanon by Hezbollah, prompting armed residents. Claims of an aerial infiltration by paragliders caused alarms which the Israeli military now believes was a false alarm upon checking. The total power shutdown and infiltration reports highlight the heightened tensions, security fears, and worsening humanitarian situation as the Israel-Hamas conflict continues to take a devastating toll on Gaza.
Launching #OperationAjay to facilitate the return from Israel of our citizens who wish to return.
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) October 11, 2023
Special charter flights and other arrangements being put in place.
Fully committed to the safety and well-being of our nationals abroad.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:09pm on 11 Oct 2023,Wednesday India Global
India launched 'Operation Ajay' on Wednesday to facilitate the return of citizens from Israel amid the ongoing conflict. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar announced the operation on social media, saying special charter flights and arrangements are being made. The Indian embassy in Tel Aviv informed "The Embassy has emailed the first lot of registered Indian citizens for the special flight tomorrow. Messages to other registered people will follow for subsequent flights." India in Israel has also set up a 24/7 control room to monitor the situation and assist citizens. Over 2,200 have died as the war entered its fifth day. Israel continues heavy bombardment, flattening Gaza blocks, while Hamas militants fired a barrage of rockets on Ashkelon on Wednesday. India is focused on safely evacuating its nationals from the escalating crisis.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 03:50pm on 11 Oct 2023,Wednesday International
Israel's PM Benjamin Netanyahu announced an emergency unity government on Wednesday with opposition leader Benny Gantz for the duration of the Gaza conflict. The emergency government includes a three-member war cabinet of Netanyahu, Gantz and the defense minister. Two opposition figures will serve as observers. Netanyahu agreed to freeze a divisive judicial overhaul that had sparked mass protests. The unity government allows Netanyahu to bring the opposition onboard to manage the crisis without his far-right allies. Forming an emergency administration with Gantz provides Netanyahu political cover amid challenges of the Gaza war.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 03:26pm on 11 Oct 2023,Wednesday India Global
Canada's Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly said diplomatic engagement with India remains "private" when asked if Canada has downsized its mission in India per New Delhi's demand. This after India set a deadline for Canada to cut diplomats over Justin Trudeau's comments on Indian involvement in a separatist's killing. While Canada let the deadline pass, reports suggest most diplomats remain in India as talks continue. Joly stressed keeping talks private, though Trudeau has publicly raised the issue with world leaders. Her statement indicates Canada is reluctant to openly act on India's call to pare diplomatic staff as both sides attempt to resolve the dispute.