By Smartencyclopedia with agencies
12:52 p.m. EDT
Iranian President Warns of Expanding War If Israel’s Gaza Siege Continues
Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi speaks with France’s President Emmanuel Macron, warning that the war could expand if Israel’s siege of Gaza does not stop. Raisi, a supporter of Hamas, emphasizes the need for Israel to end its blockade of Gaza to prevent further complications in the region.
1:45 p.m. EDT
Rocket Strikes UN Peacekeepers’ Headquarters in Southern Lebanon
Amid escalating clashes between Hezbollah and the Israeli military, a rocket strikes the headquarters of the U.N. peacekeeping mission in southern Lebanon. The U.N. mission reports that no one was injured, but expresses disappointment as efforts to de-escalate the situation have not been successful. The source of the rocket is unconfirmed, with some speculating it was fired from the positions of Palestinian Hamas militants in southern Lebanon.
France Reports 19 Citizens Killed and 13 Missing in Hamas Attack on Israel
France’s Citizens in Israel: France announces that 19 of its citizens were killed in Hamas’ assault on Israel over a week ago. Additionally, 13 French citizens are still missing, and there are concerns that some may be held hostage. France’s foreign minister, Catherine Colonna, visits Israel to address the situation and vows to do everything to free the hostages. She also calls for the United Nations to organize deliveries of food and essentials to displaced people in southern Gaza and appeals for the safeguarding of civilians.
2:32 p.m. EDT
FBI Notes Increase in Threats Against Jewish and Muslim Communities
FBI Director Chris Wray reports an increase in threatening rhetoric targeting both Jewish and Muslim communities in the wake of the Hamas attacks in Israel. While the majority of these threats are not judged to be credible, the FBI is taking them seriously and working to mitigate them. The FBI does not discount the possibility that Hamas or other groups may exploit the conflict to call for or plot attacks in the United States. Agents are encouraged to be proactive in communicating with faith-based leaders to report any suspicious activities.
10:33 a.m. EDT
U.S. Senators Rush to Tel Aviv Shelter During Hamas Rocket Attack
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer on Sunday said he and other members of a bipartisan delegation of senators were forced to shelter in Tel Aviv after Hamas fired a barrage of rockets while the lawmakers prepared to meet with Israeli leaders.
U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and a bipartisan group of senators visiting Israel take shelter in Tel Aviv during a Hamas rocket attack. Schumer emphasizes the need to support Israel in defending itself against rocket attacks and discusses future funding for Israel with President Joe Biden.
Hamas Rocket Attacks and Israeli Response Continue
U.S. Senators’ Visit: The senators’ visit is a show of support for Israel as it faces an ongoing Hamas rocket attack.
11:17 a.m. EDT
Regional WHO Chief Urges Immediate Reopening of Egypt’s Rafah Border Crossing with Gaza
Palestinians with foreign passports arrive at the Rafah gate hoping to cross into Egypt as Israel’s attacks on the Gaza Strip continue on October 14, 2023. AFPPIX
The regional head of the World Health Organization (WHO) calls for the immediate reopening of Egypt’s Rafah border crossing with Gaza, stating that evacuating hospitals in the northern part of Gaza is “impossible.” He highlights the urgency of delivering medical supplies and humanitarian aid to the besieged Gaza Strip.
Cross-Border Clashes Intensify Between Lebanon and Israel
An Israeli Merkava tank drives into position in the north of Israel near the border with Lebanon on October 15, 2023. (Jalaa MAREY / AFP)
Hezbollah’s Statement: Cross-border clashes between Lebanon’s Hezbollah and Israel intensify, with Hezbollah firing rockets and Israeli forces responding with shelling. Hezbollah states that these clashes represent a “warning” rather than a full entry into the Israel-Hamas war.
Pope Francis Renews Calls for Israeli Hostage Release and Humanitarian Corridors
Pope’s Appeal: Pope Francis renews his calls for the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas and calls for the establishment of humanitarian corridors to help those in Gaza under siege. He emphasizes the importance of respecting humanitarian law in Gaza.
Thousands Rally in Morocco in Support of Gaza Palestinians
Demonstration staged in support of Palestine in Morocco
Rally in Rabat: Thousands of demonstrators take to the streets in Morocco’s capital, Rabat, in support of Palestinians in Gaza and to denounce Israel’s actions in the ongoing conflict. The rally also marks a significant show of support for the banned Islamist movement Al Adl Wa Ihssane, which supports Hamas.
Israelis Flee Southern City of Sderot Due to Rocket Attacks
.Israeli security forces at the scene where a rocket fired from Gaza struck a shelter in the southern Israeli city of Sderot
Residents Escaping Sderot: Residents of the southern Israeli city of Sderot board buses to escape the rocket barrages from Gaza. Many have already left the city under a state-sponsored program offering temporary respite from the violence.
Germany Issues Travel Warning for Israel, Palestinian Territories, and Lebanon
German Travel Warning: The German government issues a travel warning for Israel, the Palestinian territories, and Lebanon, citing the escalation of violence in the region. The government has also been involved in evacuating German citizens from Israel.
Fuel Shortage Threatens Gaza Hospitals as Ground Offensive Approaches
Critical Situation in Gaza Hospitals: In Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, Gaza, the ICU is full of wounded patients, many of them children. Hospitals face a severe fuel shortage, putting the lives of patients at risk. The Gaza Health Ministry reports that they have reached over 2,300 Palestinian casualties, making this the deadliest of the five Gaza wars.
Cross-Border Fire Erupts Between Israel and Lebanon
Cross-Border Clashes: Cross-border fire occurs between Israel and Lebanon, leading to at least one death on the Israeli side of the border. Concerns rise about Hezbollah’s potential involvement in the Israel-Hamas war as Israel prepares for a ground offensive.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken Meets Saudi Crown Prince
Blinken’s Meeting in Riyadh: U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken meets with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh as part of his Middle East diplomatic efforts. They discuss ways to prevent the Israel-Hamas war from escalating further.
Indonesians Rally in Support of Palestinians
Solidarity Rally in Jakarta: More than 2,000 Muslims rally in Jakarta to show solidarity with Palestinians and call for an end to the Israel-Hamas war. Similar rallies take place in other major cities across Indonesia.
U.S. Sends Second Carrier Strike Group to Support Israel
The USS Eisenhower off the coast of Virginia, December 10, 2015, in the Atlantic Ocean. (Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images)
U.S. Military Deployment: The U.S. sends the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower carrier strike group to the Eastern Mediterranean to support Israel. U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin states that this deployment aims to deter hostile actions against Israel and prevent the conflict from widening. The presence of two carriers provides multiple strategic options.
The situation in the Israel-Hamas conflict remains fluid, with escalations and diplomatic efforts continuing.