Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu compared Hamas to ISIS, saying the group is "worse than ISIS" while sharing graphic images of killings by Hamas. This comes as Israel continues heavy airstrikes and has imposed a siege on Gaza, cutting power, food and fuel. Over 1,200 Israelis and 1,000 Palestinians have died since Hamas' attack on Saturday. Israel's military chief said forces are targeting Hamas leaders in Gaza, even with restrictions. Meanwhile, Gaza's sole power plant shut down with supplies cut off. Netanyahu's statement equating Hamas with ISIS underscores Israel's intent to deal a decisive blow to the militant group.

British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly traveled to Israel on Wednesday to demonstrate the UK's unwavering solidarity with Israel after deadly attacks by Hamas. Cleverly will be meeting attack survivors and Israeli leaders to outline Britain's support for Israel's right to self-defense. The visit comes as Israel bombs Gaza ahead of a potential ground operation against Hamas, which launched surprise attacks in Israel over the weekend that killed hundreds. Along with Western allies, the UK has expressed steadfast backing of Israel and condemned Hamas amid the escalating violence. Earlier the BBC reported seventeen British nationals including children were dead or missing in Israel.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken will travel to Israel on Wednesday in a show of support following the major Hamas attack over the weekend that killed over 1,200 Israelis. Blinken will meet with Israeli leaders to convey solidarity and hear about their needs for US assistance. Hamas launched the surprise assault on Saturday, also seizing hostages, prompting Israeli airstrikes on Gaza that have killed over 1,000. With thousands dead and over 180,000 homeless in Gaza, Blinken's visit demonstrates US backing of Israel as it responds to the unprecedented Hamas attack.

At the Indian Ocean Rim Association meeting, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar described India as a 'Vishwa Mitra' or the world's friend, representing the voice of the Global South. As vice-chair for 2023-25, Jaishankar said India will strengthen IORA's framework towards realizing its potential. Using 'Vishwa Mitra' instead of 'Vishwa Guru', he evoked 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' for oneness. He stated India will help harness women's power and democratize technology in IORA states. Jaishankar reiterated India's commitment as a net security provider in the Indian Ocean region, based on its Neighborhood First policy. The two-day IORA meeting has 16 ministers from member states attending.

India and the UK are expected to sign their proposed free trade agreement by the end of October 2023, as per reports. This comes after UK PM Rishi Sunak reiterated commitment to boosting India-UK ties. Bilateral trade was worth an estimated £36 billion in 2022. A UK delegation is in India currently to resolve remaining issues and conclude talks soon. India and the UK aim to finish the proposed deal, under negotiation since last year, within the next few months. It would boost trade and investment between the two countries. Rules of origin norms and an investment treaty are also being discussed separately.

India's anti-terror agency NIA conducted raids and confiscated properties of Khalistani terrorist Lakhbir Singh Rode on Wednesday in Punjab. Rode, head of the banned International Sikh Youth Federation (ISYF), is designated a terrorist by India's government. He faces charges including arms smuggling, attack conspiracies, and spreading hatred in Punjab. NIA seized 1.4 acres of Rode's ancestral land among other assets per a court order under anti-terror laws. Rode is wanted in India for multiple terror cases between 2021-2023. The seizure of his assets is seen as a blow to Rode who operates from Pakistan.

India has set up a 24/7 emergency helpline for its citizens in Palestine as the conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza escalates. The Indian embassy announced that Indians in Palestine can contact the helpline for any emergency assistance needed. This comes as Israel pounds Gaza with airstrikes after Hamas launched rocket attacks on Saturday, killing hundreds in Israel. With Gaza districts reduced to rubble and thousands dead, India has established the round-the-clock hotline to aid its citizens amid the dire situation.

Shahid Latif, a top Jaish-e-Mohammad commander and key handler in the 2016 Pathankot air base attack in India, was shot dead in Pakistan's Sialkot on Tuesday, Indian officials said. Latif was in touch with the four attackers during the assault that killed seven Indian personnel. He was designated a terrorist by India and faced an Interpol red notice. His killing comes after India handed evidence to Pakistan linking Latif and other JeM members to the Pathankot attack. However, Pakistan failed to act on the dossier or share proof with India. Latif's death provides some closure for India over the attack.

As the Israel-Hamas conflict intensifies, Google CEO Sundar Pichai said he is deeply saddened by the "terrorist attacks in Israel" and escalating clashes in a post. Google has two offices and over 2000 employees in Israel. Pichai stated their immediate focus since Saturday has been employee safety and they have contacted all local staff to support them. He added Google is working to provide reliable information through its products and share cyber activity seen by experts. Pichai expressed Google will support humanitarian groups on the ground. 

Pope Francis called for the immediate release of hostages in the Israel-Hamas fighting and expressed concern over the siege of Gaza. He said attacked parties have a right to defend themselves but warned against revenge and hatred fueling more suffering. The pope said terrorism and extremism don't aid peace between Israelis and Palestinians, only justice, dialogue and fraternity can. As the death toll sharply rose with Israel's bombardment and Hamas' assault, Francis said the region needs peace not war. His plea underscored alarm over the human impact of the conflict that has killed over 2,100 amid a mounting casualty toll and humanitarian crisis.