Israel's Energy Minister said the Gaza siege will continue until Israeli hostages are freed, vowing no electricity, water or fuel until "abductees" are released. This comes as US Secretary of State Blinken arrives in Israel, set to meet officials and Palestinian President Abbas. With Gaza's sole power plant shut amid fuel shortages after Israel cut supplies post-attack, the ICRC warns hospitals risk becoming morgues as generators also need fuel. Most electricity came from Israel before being halted, leaving Gaza relying on shrinking generator supplies. The statements highlight the dire humanitarian situation worsening in Gaza as Israel keeps up pressure seeking hostage release.

The first flight repatriating Indians from Israel amid the conflict will depart Tel Aviv for Delhi tonight carrying around 230 citizens. Many returning are students at Israeli institutions who received embassy emails about the chartered evacuation flight. The government is bearing the flight cost with no fare for returnees. As fighting intensifies with nearly 4,000 dead, India launched Operation Ajay to airlift citizens and set up 24/7 embassy helplines. The embassy has advised Indians to stay calm and follow security guidance amid the violence. Tonight's flight signals India's efforts to safely bring back nationals stranded by the war are underway. [Image of Indian students: Shared by Indian Embassy in Tel Aviv]

Egypt reportedly warned Israel three days in advance of a potential large-scale attack by Hamas, according to the chairman of the US House Foreign Affairs Committee, Michael McCaul. He revealed the warning after a closed-door intelligence briefing, suggesting the attack might have been planned up to a year ago. Egypt had warned Israel about the volatile situation in Gaza, hinting at an imminent explosion. Hamas' coordinated assault, resulting in over 1,200 Israeli casualties, marked a significant intelligence failure for Israel.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.