The Hostages and Missing Persons Families Forum demands an immediate meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Gallant, and the war cabinet to discuss hostage rescue efforts. The families endured an incredibly anxious night amid the major Gaza ground offensive and uncertainty over the fate of 229 captives held there, also subject to heavy bombings. Families feel frustrated and angered that no war cabinet member has met to explain if the operation endangers hostages' wellbeing. Every minute feels endless as families worry for loved ones and await answers. They urgently request Gallant and the cabinet meet this morning to provide explanations on the rescue mission status and strategy.

Israel doubled down with one of the most intensive Gaza strikes yet overnight. The Israeli military said around 100 jets hit 150 underground Hamas targets in northern Gaza, including tunnels and infrastructure. A senior Hamas commander overseeing aerial capabilities was also killed. With phone and internet cut, communication in Gaza is nearly impossible. An Israeli Air Force general said the goal was to destroy everything Hamas touched. As huge explosions lit up Gaza's sky medical teams including ambulance drivers were unable to communicate due to the telecom blackout. Israel's unrelenting bombardment continues but faces heightened international pressure over the scale and devastation of the strikes on Gaza.

Once again, Iran's foreign minister warned new fronts would open against the US if it maintains unequivocal Israel support, escalating rhetoric amid fears the Israel-Hamas conflict could widen. He declined to detail consequences but denied instructing Syria/Iraq groups to recently target US forces, saying it was Washington fanning violence by totally siding with Israel. He said if the US continues, new fronts will open against it, warning the killing of Gazan women and children could make the situation uncontrollable. This follows US strikes in Syria on Iran-linked facilities used for regional attacks on troops. He maintained groups attacking US forces acted independently without Tehran's direction. The statements signal Iran's growing frustration with US support for Israel as casualties mount from Israeli retaliation against Hamas.

Hamas said on Saturday its Gaza militants are ready to confront Israeli attacks at "full force" after Israel widened air and ground assaults. This came as phone and internet were cut for over 10 hours, which telecom firms said resulted from Israeli strikes. An Israeli military spokesman said ground forces are expanding operations, raising questions of a possible Gaza invasion. Hamas said its fighters clashed with Israeli troops in northern and central Gaza. The clashes follow days of Israeli bombardment after Hamas's October 7 multi-front attack that killed 1,400 Israelis. Since then, Palestinian authorities say Israeli strikes have killed over 7,000 Palestinians. With Israeli troops massed at Gaza's border, Hamas vowed to frustrate any incursions, as both sides signal readiness for further escalation.

The suspect in the deadliest US mass shooting this year, Robert Card, was found dead in Maine from a self-inflicted gunshot after a two-day manhunt mobilizing hundreds of law enforcement. Card, a 40-year-old Army reservist, is believed to be behind the rampage at a bowling alley and bar that left 18 dead and 13 wounded in the city of Lewiston. Officials expressed relief Card was no longer a threat. The victims ranged from a couple in their 70s to a 14-year-old boy killed with his father. Card's body was reportedly found in a wooded area near his former workplace. Authorities had deployed extensive resources to locate Card after the shocking attack, with the discovery of his body providing some closure amid grief for the many lives lost.

India abstained from the UN General Assembly resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire and humanitarian access in the Israel-Hamas conflict because it did not mention Hamas. The resolution was proposed by Jordan and backed by over 40 nations. It passed by 120 votes in favor, 14 against, and 45 abstentions, including India, Australia, Canada, Germany, Japan, Ukraine and the UK. An amendment proposed by Canada unequivocally rejecting Hamas attacks and hostage-taking failed despite India's support. The non-binding resolution comes as Israel retaliates for Hamas's October 7 attacks that killed over 1,400 Israelis. India's abstention reflected concerns about omitting Hamas in the UN call for truce and aid amid the hostilities.

Israel angrily dismissed a UN General Assembly resolution passed overwhelmingly on Friday that called for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza, but did not mention Hamas. Israeli ambassador Gilad Erdan called it a "day of infamy" and said the UN has "no legitimacy or relevance." Despite the 120 votes in favor of a ceasefire, Israel stated it would continue military operations against Hamas, which it sees as a terrorist group. Hamas welcomed the resolution demanding a truce and access to aid. The rival Palestinian Authority also backed the move amid intensifying Israeli strikes. The US and several Western nations abstained or voted no, agreeing the omission of Hamas was problematic.

Hamas welcomed the UN General Assembly resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza and demanded its immediate implementation, including allowing fuel and aid into the territory. In a statement, Hamas said it supports the UNGA resolution passed overwhelmingly on Friday, though without mentioning the militant group. The rival Palestinian Authority also welcomed the resolution amid Israel's intensifying campaign. The US and most Western nations did not back the resolution due to its omission of Hamas. Hamas said the ceasefire must take effect right away and allow the entry of vital supplies for Gaza's civilian population as fighting continues.

Scotland's First Minister Humza Yousaf said he lost contact with his wife's family trapped in Gaza as Israel expands its ground offensive. Yousaf previously said his in-laws were trapped in Gaza amid intensifying Israeli airstrikes and artillery fire. With internet connectivity in Gaza severely disrupted, Yousaf tweeted he could not reach his family and prayed for their safety. He joined calls for an immediate ceasefire, putting pressure on UK Labour leader Keir Starmer who aligned with the government in only seeking a humanitarian pause. The IDF said it "significantly expanded" ground operations in Gaza overnight. The UK affirmed Israel's right to self-defense but pushed for civilian protections.

The UN General Assembly approved a nonbinding resolution on Friday calling for an immediate "humanitarian truce" in Gaza leading to a halt in fighting between Israel and Hamas. The resolution passed with 120 votes in favor, 14 against, and 45 abstentions. The Assembly rejected a Canadian amendment backed by the US that sought to condemn Hamas's Oct. 7 attacks on Israel and demand hostage releases. The resolution marks the UN's first response to the outbreak of violence, but lacks an explicit condemnation of Hamas's actions. Israel and Hamas have shown no signs of ceasing hostilities since fighting escalated last week. (Ime Courtesy: United Nations on X)