The Israeli Defense Force (IDF) has initiated "localised" raids into Gaza, signaling a potential ground offensive. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized that Israel's retaliation had just begun, hinting at a major escalation. Tens of thousands fled northern Gaza following a 24-hour evacuation notice. Netanyahu stated Israel was "fighting like lions" and stressed it was just the beginning of the Gaza offensive. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia froze normalization talks with Israel, and Russia called for an immediate ceasefire at the UN Security Council, with Hamas welcoming Russia's mediation offer. tensions remain high amidst the conflict.

French President Emmanuel Macron has mobilized 7,000 soldiers for increased security patrols following an Islamist attack in Arras. The move came after a 20-year-old man fatally stabbed a teacher and wounded two others at a school. The soldiers will patrol major city centers and tourist sites. France, on its highest security alert, is also hosting the Rugby World Cup. Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin indicated a link between the attack and events in the Middle East, where Israel is conducting a military offensive against Hamas fighters. France has been targeted by several Islamist attacks, including the 2015 Paris assault.

Over 50% of Canadians are advocating for reduced tensions and diplomatic engagement with India following the killing of Khalistani hardliner Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Nanos Research poll revealed. The survey, commissioned by CTV News, indicated that 57% of Canadians prefer diplomatic talks concerning Nijjar's murder outside a gurdwara in Surrey, British Columbia. Relations strained after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused India of involvement, leading to expulsions and diplomatic disputes. While 25% want further investigations, 11% suggest patience. Canadians above 55 were more likely to believe Trudeau's claims, while Quebec residents leaned towards tension-reducing measures.

Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held discussions with his Saudi Arabian counterpart, Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud, regarding the escalating situation in the Middle East following Hamas attacks on Israel. India emphasized its support for direct negotiations between Israel and Palestine while expressing concern over the attacks. India's strategic ties with both Israel and key Arab nations, including Saudi Arabia and the UAE, have led to diplomatic outreach, highlighting the complexity of regional dynamics in the wake of the crisis. Different Arab states have varied responses to the situation, reflecting divisions within the Arab world.  

The Israeli military said it killed a senior Hamas commander, Murad Abu Murad, in an overnight airstrike in Gaza. According to the IDF, Murad headed Hamas's aerial operations and played a major role in directing militants who infiltrated Israel on October 7. The strike targeted a facility where Hamas managed its aerial activity. The IDF also hit dozens of Hamas commando sites overnight - the forces behind Hamas's massive attack last weekend that killed over 1,300 Israelis. Since then, Israel's airstrikes have killed over 1,500 in Gaza amid the worst Israel-Hamas fighting since 2014. Killing Murad is seen as a significant blow to Hamas's capabilities.

US President Biden termed Hamas "pure evil" after their deadly October 7 attack in Israel that killed over 1,300. He said Hamas makes Al-Qaeda "look pure" and reaffirmed unwavering US support for Israel while prioritizing humanitarian aid to Gaza civilians suffering under Hamas rule. Biden told reporters at an event at a shipping terminal in Philadelphia, that teams are working in the Middle East region. Communication is being held directly with the governments of Israel, Egypt, Jordan, and other Arab nations and the United Nations to surge support and humanitarian consequences for Hamas attack to help Israel. Biden stated the US is working to secure Americans taken hostage in the attacks. He also said the US has enhanced military posture in the region amid the crisis.

India successfully evacuated a second batch of 235 citizens from Israel on Friday amid the ongoing conflict with Hamas. This follows the first repatriation flight on Thursday which carried 212 Indians back home under 'Operation Ajay', launched after Hamas attacked Israel on October 7th. The two flights so far have evacuated over 400 Indians wishing to leave Israel amidst the volatile situation. There are around 18,000 Indians in Israel, including students and IT professionals. The Indian government is bearing costs to fly back those registered with the embassy who desire to return home until tensions de-escalate.

Scotland's First Minister Humza Yousaf said Israel is "going too far" and innocent Gazan civilians cannot be "collateral damage" amid warnings to evacuate north Gaza. Yousaf shared a distressing video from his mother-in-law Elizabeth El-Nakla describing the situation on the ground and pleading for help. While expressing sympathy for Israeli victims of Hamas's October 7 attack that killed over 1,300, Yousaf stressed collective punishment of Gazans cannot be justified. He called on the international community to broker an immediate ceasefire and humanitarian corridor. Yousaf's rebuke of Israel's actions highlights growing criticism as Gaza braces for a possible ground invasion. The UN warned Israel's evacuation notice could have devastating consequences for over 1 million Gazans.

The Shorts91 team visited an Israeli village hit by a missile Friday evening, as air raid sirens sounded in Tel Aviv after Hamas targeted the coastal city. Hamas has fired thousands of rockets at civilian populations since launching its offensive in retaliation to Israel's strikes on Gaza. On Friday, Israel warned 1.1 million northern Gaza residents to evacuate ahead of an expected ground invasion, sparking UN condemnation. This comes as over 1,300 Israelis have been killed since October 7, when Hamas militants unleashed a massive multi-pronged attack from Gaza. Shorts91's coverage from the latest rocket-hit village provides on-the-ground reporting of the human impact as Hamas expands its rocket barrage deeper into Israel. 

The Shorts91 team visited the ransacked kibbutz of Be'eri in southern Israel, where over 100 Hamas militants massacred over 100 residents last week. Once known for its thriving culture, Be'eri now stands abandoned, a ghost town memorializing the devastation. Survivors recounted how terrorists burned down homes and executed families fleeing smoke. One house the team visited lay in ruins, a little girl's teddy bears scattered among the rubble, as she awaits the hopeful return of her mother held hostage by Hamas. Be'eri exemplifies the trauma inflicted on Israeli communities in Hamas's deadliest attack yet.