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.

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.

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.

The mother of German woman Shani Louk, seen naked in a Hamas video, received information her daughter is alive in a Gaza hospital but critically injured. In a video message, Ricarda Louk said a family friend in Gaza told her Shani is in critical condition with a head injury. She urged the German government to help immediately get Shani out of Gaza. The friend couldn't visit Shani himself. Shani was captured when Hamas militants infiltrated the Israeli music festival she attended, where up to 260 were killed. Over 150 were abducted, held hostage in Gaza. Shani's family hopes the new information means she can be safely evacuated from Hamas territory.

Dipanwita Roy, an Indian researcher stranded in Israel's Rehovot amid the conflict, described to Hindustan Times the unprecedented terror as sirens blared for 3 hours. Despite being distant from the attack zone, fear has gripped the town. She urgently seeks government evacuation. Ambassador Naor Gilon said PM Modi was among the first global leaders to back Israel, and Netanyahu updated him, but details are confidential. With India evacuating citizens, Gilon said no Indian casualties were reported yet. He outlined the massive toll, with nearly 1,000 Israelis killed and 150 kidnapped in Hamas' surprise strikes. Israel faces a hostage crisis as Hamas threatens executions.

A dangerous escalation occurred overnight in northern Gaza City as hundreds of airstrikes destroyed a neighborhood, killing over 50 people, mostly civilians. reports the BBC quoting local authorities. The UN is trying to accommodate 200,000 displaced people, about 10% of Gaza's population, who are now without electricity, water, food and other essential supplies. People are queuing at bakeries for small amounts of food and banks for small amounts of money. Gaza's power authority has said the sole power plant will soon run out of fuel as Israel cuts supplies, leaving the city without electricity amid the humanitarian crisis. The strikes and shortages highlight the dire situation facing Gazan civilians.

President Biden urged Israel's PM Netanyahu to minimize civilian casualties in the Gaza Strip during a private phone call amid Israel's retaliation against Hamas. The Biden administration is working on a plan with other countries to provide safe passage out of Gaza for Palestinian civilians and Americans, creating a corridor leading to Egypt. With Israel possibly launching a ground incursion, civilians unaffiliated with Hamas face the risk of homelessness or harm from the ongoing conflict. The initiative aims to protect innocent lives caught in the densely populated enclave's crossfire.