Israel-Hamas War

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🏛️ "Squad" reignites Dems' Israel tensions

House Democrats, who are overwhelmingly pro-Israel, usually tolerate their left-wing "Squad," which is more sympathetic to the Palestinian cause. But Squad members' comments this week have sparked a swift internal backlash.

• Why it matters: Democrats' long-simmering divisions over Israel are bubbling to the surface in the aftermath of Hamas' attacks on Israeli civilians, Axios' Andrew Solender and Eugene Scott report.

Squad Reps. Cori Bush (D-Mo.) and Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) called for an end to U.S. aid to Israel. Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.) said "this heartbreaking cycle of violence will continue" unless the funds are cut off.

• Tlaib, a Palestinian American, didn't mention Hamas, and made only a passing reference to the weekend's violence.
• Other Squad members were more cautious. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) criticized Hamas' attacks and urged "de-escalation" between the two sides.

The other side: Rep. Ritchie Torres (D-N.Y.) told Axios: "No one should blame the victim, no one should explain or excuse the terrorism."

• Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-N.J.) said of Bush and Tlaib's comments: "It sickens me that ... they believe Congress should strip U.S. funding to our democratic ally and allow innocent civilians to suffer."

The Squad view even got pushback from the White House. Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters of comments by members of Congress calling for a ceasefire: "We believe they are wrong, we believe they are repugnant and we believe they are disgraceful."

• "There are not two sides here," Jean-Pierre added.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) called on Congress to "stand with Israel until the invasion by Hamas has been crushed."

• In an unusual show of unity, all 24 Jewish House Democrats — including some staunch progressives — signed a statement Saturday saying they "are united in standing with and supporting our ally Israel."

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What was Hamas thinking? For over three decades, it has had the same brutal idea of victory

JERUSALEM (AP) — In the three and a half decades since it began as an underground militant group, Hamas has pursued a consistently violent strategy aimed at rolling back Israeli rule — and it has made steady progress despite bringing enormous suffering to both sides of the conflict.

https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-conflict-endgame-1bfcc187d826596e78090ec6cbf6516c?

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At Harvard and beyond, some students blame Israel for Hamas attacks, reigniting campus Israel debates

(JTA) – Hours after news broke that Hamas had murdered hundreds of Israelis in border towns near Gaza, students at Harvard University sat down to write a letter of protest.

https://www.jta.org/2023/10/11/united-states/at-harvard-and-beyond-some-students-blame-israel-for-hamas-attacks-reigniting-campus-israel-debates?

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Death toll in Israel attack soars past 1,200 as catalog of Hamas horrors is revealed

(JTA) — A pile of bodies at a bus stop. Burned corpses in a safe room. Entire families slaughtered together. A toddler’s room drenched in blood.

https://www.jta.org/2023/10/11/israel/death-toll-in-israel-attack-soars-past-1200-as-catalog-of-hamas-horrors-is-revealed?

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Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez condemns pro-Palestinian rally in Times Square

(New York Jewish Week) – Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, the prominent progressive Democratic New York congresswoman from New York City, condemned a pro-Palestinian rally that took place over the weekend in Times Square, calling it “unacceptable and harmful.”

https://www.jta.org/2023/10/10/ny/rep-alexandria-ocasio-cortez-condemns-pro-palestine-rally-in-times-square?

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Israel Responds to Hamas Crimes by Ordering Mass War Crimes in Gaza

This article includes graphic images and depictions of death.

Israel’s Defense Minister Yoav Gallant used genocidal language and ordered mass war crimes in the occupied Gaza Strip on Monday in response to Hamas’s weekend assault and massacre of Israeli civilians, setting the stage for a large-scale escalation of the violence that has already led to the killing of at least 800 Israelis and more than 500 Palestinians.

https://theintercept.com/2023/10/09/israel-hamas-war-crimes-palestinians/?

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The Israeli military says it’s preparing for a ground operation in Gaza The Israeli military is preparing for a possible ground operation in Gaza but the political leadership has not yet ordered one, Lt. Col. Richard Hecht told reporters Thursday, as Palestinians struggled under airstrikes in the enclave on the sixth day of the latest Israel-Hamas war. Read more.

Recent developments: Palestinians lined up outside bakeries and grocery stores in Gaza on Thursday after spending the night surrounded by ruins of pulverized neighborhoods darkened by a near-total power outage as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to “crush and destroy” Hamas.   Egypt has engaged in intensive talks with Israel and the United States to allow the delivery of food, fuel, aid and electricity through its Rafah crossing point. However, it pushed back against proposals to establish corridors out of Gaza.   The latest conflict, which has claimed at least 2,500 lives on both sides, is expected to escalate.

Related coverage ➤  Live updates | Israel steps up offensive against Hamas in Gaza as war deaths mount After a hard fight to clear militants, Israeli soldiers find a scene of destruction, slain children As Israeli military retaliates, Palestinians say civilians are paying the price in Gaza

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U.S. works to aid Gaza escapes

👉 For real-time insight and intel, follow Axios' Barak Ravid, a former Israel diplomatic correspondent who has covered the Middle East for 18 years. See his stories here.

The U.S. is working with Israel and Egypt to try to create a safe passage that will enable the evacuation of Americans and other foreign nationals from Gaza, U.S. and Israeli officials tell Axios' Barak Ravid.

• Why it matters: 500+ Americans and hundreds of other foreign nationals are in Gaza — among them UN workers, members of nongovernmental organizations and journalists, according to U.S. and Israeli officials.

The context: The closing of border crossings with Israel and Egypt, and ongoing Israeli airstrikes, have made it effectively impossible to leave Gaza.

What's happening: Israel and Egypt agreed in principle to create a safe passage out of Gaza for Americans and other foreign nationals, the U.S. and Israeli officials said.

• But they stressed the operational implementation might be very difficult — mainly because it will require some kind of ceasefire.

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Blinken lands in Israel to pledge support after leaders vow to ‘wipe out’ Hamas in escalating war

(JTA) — On a visit to Israel, Secretary of State Antony Blinken pledged American support for the country as it ramps up its war on Hamas and other terror groups in Gaza.

https://www.jta.org/2023/10/12/israel/blinken-lands-in-israel-to-pledge-support-after-leaders-vow-to-wipe-out-hamas-in-escalating-war?

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The morgue at Gaza’s biggest hospital is overflowing as Israeli attacks intensify

GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip (AP) — The morgue at Gaza’s biggest hospital overflowed Thursday as bodies came in faster than relatives could claim them on the sixth day of Israel’s heavy aerial bombardment on the territory of 2.3 million people.

https://apnews.com/article/gaza-israel-palestinians-war-hamas-militants-civilians-casualites-8469bbcb566446d78f368bf2a1b49d88?

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Hamas calls on Palestinians to stay home after Israel orders 1.1 million civilians to evacuate Gaza Israel’s military delivered a sweeping evacuation order for almost half of Gaza’s 2.3 million people on Friday ahead of an anticipated ground offensive aiming to eradicate the Hamas militant group, U.N. officials said. The order sent panic through civilians and aid workers already struggling under Israeli airstrikes and a blockade. Read more.

Recent developments: Hamas, which has ruled Gaza since 2007, dismissed the order and called on Palestinians to “remain steadfast in your homes and to stand firm” in a statement calling the evacuation directive part of a “disgusting psychological war waged by the occupation.”   Nebal Farsakh, a spokesperson for the Palestinian Red Crescent in Gaza City, said more than 1 million people could not be safely moved that fast. U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric said, “The United Nations considers it impossible for such a movement to take place without devastating humanitarian consequences.”   The directive was seen as a precursor to an expected Israeli ground offensive, though the Israeli military has not yet confirmed any plans. A ground offensive in Gaza would likely increase casualties on both sides in a war that already has killed more than 2,800 people, including 13 hostages Hamas claimed on Friday were killed by Israeli bombardments. There was no immediate Israeli comment.

Related coverage ➤  Live updates | Israel orders hundreds of thousands of civilians in Gaza City to evacuate ahead of possible ground assault Hamas practiced in plain sight, posting video of mock attack weeks before border breach A music festival survivor fleeing the attack, a pair of Hamas militants and a deadly decision

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Exclusive video: Bush says Bibi will show "what he's made of"

On video obtained by Axios, former President George W. Bush — in his first comments about the attack on Israel — warned that the expected Israeli ground offensive in Gaza is "going to be ugly for a while."

• Why it matters: Bush, calling himself "kind of a hardliner," said out loud what other leaders won't — that he believes there'll be a temptation for the public to buckle and think peace is an option.

"It's not going to take long for people [to say]: 'It's gone on too long. Surely, there's a way to settle this through negotiations. Both sides are guilty,'" Bush, 77, said on Tuesday at a private event near Santa Barbara, Calif.

• "My view is: One side is guilty. And it's not Israel."

"You're dealing with cold-blooded killers," Bush continued in the onstage conversation with presidential historian Mark Updegrove, a fellow Texan who is president and CEO of the LBJ Foundation.

• "You can make all kinds of excuses why they are, but they are," he added in the Texas twang and with the Bushian posture that takes viewers back 20 years.
• He declared that "negotiating with killers is not an option" for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. "His job is to ... protect his country. And anyway, we'll find out what he's made out of."

Context: Bush was president during the first Gaza war in late 2008, which included an Israeli ground invasion that led to thousands of Palestinian casualties.

• Last night, Israel warned the UN to evacuate the northern Gaza strip — home to more than 1 million Palestinians. (More from Axios' Barak Ravid)

Bush, who has known Netanyahu for at least 25 years, warned the U.S. and Israel against caving to pressure amid a prolonged, ferocious response, predicting that President Biden is "going to take some heat."

• Bush said Biden "started off on the right foot, it seems to me. Pretty bold statement, and that's good."

Asked about the extent to which Iran is responsible for the attack, Bush said: "I don't know. ... I don't get the intelligence anymore."

• "I'm kind of a hardliner on all this stuff," he added. "And these are the kind of people that if you show softness, they will take advantage of it."

Reflecting how much his own beloved GOP has changed, Bush said both parties "have got isolationist tendencies" and will be inclined to say: "We shouldn't get involved ... Who cares?"

• "Well, we should," Bush added. "We should care."

In the Middle East, Bush said, the "immediate future doesn't look very bright, particularly if you're on the Hamas side."

• Watch the video.

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October 11, 2023

This weekend, some of the worst indescribable atrocities in the history of humanity were perpetuated against Israel - a land that the United States has pledged to protect. It’s hard to know what to say at such a time without being overly simplistic, or overly equivocal sounding, or woefully inadequate to encapsulate the feelings and fears that have arisen at this turning point in history.   There will be plenty of time to discuss the religious and political aspects of what has happened, but for now we will simply mark the time and share a blessing through the tears.

Yevarechecha Adonai, VeYishmerecha The LORD bless you and keep you יְבָרֶכְךָ יהוה, וְיִשְׁמְרֶךָ Ya'er Adonai Panav Eleycha ViChuneka Make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you יָאֵר יהוה פָּנָיו אֵלֶיךָ, וִיחֻנֶּךָּ Yisa Adonai Panav Eleycha, VeYasem Lecha Shalom The LORD turn His face toward you and give you peace יִשָּׂא יהוה פָּנָיו אֵלֶיךָ, וְיָשֵׂם לְךָ שָׁלוֹם Yehi chasdo aleicha le’alfei dorot May His favor be upon you to a thousand generations יהי חסדו עליך לאלפי דורות Mishpachtecha viladecha Your family and your children משפחתך וילדיך Dorotecha achareicha Your generations after you דורותיך אחריך Rucho telech lefaneicha May His presence go before you רוחו תלך לפניך Letsidecha achareicha Beside you and behind you לצידך, אחריך Misvivecha belibecha All around you and within you מסביבך, בליבך Hu itcha He is with you הוא איתך Baboker uvaerev In the morning in the evening בבוקר ובערב Betzetecha uvoecha In your going and your coming בצאתך ובואך B’sivlotecha beoshrecha In your weeping and rejoicing בסבלותיך ואושרך Hu itcha He is for you הוא איתך Hu itanu im kulanu He is for us, He is with us הוא איתנו עם כולנו Hu itcha He is for you הוא איתך Shalom Peace שָׁלוֹם     Written by Kari Jobe, Cody Carnes, Steven Furtick, Chris Brown Hebrew translation by Sheli Myers and Joshua Aaron

Copyright (C) 2023 Founders First Freedom. All rights reserved.

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War in Israel: Prophecy with Doug Batchelor (Amazing Facts)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?

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Teenager Spearheading Drive to Send Gear to Israel

With Israel reeling from last weekend’s horrific Hamas attacks, 18-year-old Yonatan Bodner “wanted to do something” to help. The American teenager is currently spending his post-high school gap year studying at EFG@Aish (formerly known as Gesher) in Jerusalem’s Old City. In an Aish.com exclusive interview, Yonatan explained how he and his family and friends are working to aid Israel in its hour of need.

https://aish.com/teenager-spearheading-drive-to-send-gear-to-israel/?

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‘I pray for those families’: Pope Francis calls on Hamas to free Israeli hostages

(JTA) — In his second round of remarks since the start of the Israel-Hamas war, Pope Francis called for the release of the Israeli hostages taken by Hamas.

https://www.jta.org/2023/10/12/global/i-pray-for-those-families-pope-francis-calls-on-hamas-to-free-israeli-hostages?

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Brothers at War: Why the Israel-Gaza Conflict Has No Easy Answers

Centuries ago a woman named Sarah couldn’t give her husband a son. She was getting old. They were both worried about who would inherit the property. They decided (Sarah actually suggested the plan) that Sarah’s husband would have a child with Sarah’s maid, Hagar. 

https://atoday.org/brothers-at-war-why-the-israel-gaza-conflict-has-no-easy-answers/

Emergency Prayer for Israel and Palestine This Friday

A message was published this week by the Adventist Muslim Relations (AMR) department within Multilingual Ministries of the North American Division (NAD) encouraging Adventists to see the Israeli-Palestinian conflict through a humanitarian and spiritual lens, rather than a political one. An NAD AMR Prayer Night has been scheduled for this Friday at 8:30pm ET in order to delve into the history of Arab-Jews relations and pray for the many victims involved in the war.

https://atoday.org/emergency-prayer-for-israel-and-palestine-this-friday/

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The Jewish World Stands Firmly with Israel The World Jewish Congress (WJC) is rallying robust worldwide support in the aftermath of the conflict in Israel. They are unifying the global Jewish community through comprehensive real-time briefings, constantly updated resources, and potent social media campaigns. Their core message? Unity and resilience during challenging periods. Read More...

Statement by WJC President Ronald S. Lauder Upon Outbreak of War "During these tumultuous times, the Jewish diaspora's stance is unwavering: we stand firm with Israel. Unity is key as we strive for the success of both the IDF and Israel during this conflict that emerged on Simchat Torah," asserts WJC President Ronald S. Lauder with determination. Read More...

Jewish Communities Speak Out Echoing voices of unwavering global support, the WJC and its affiliates have been vocal proponents for Israel. Various WJC affiliates and Jewish communities have been firmly affirming their deep commitment, spotlighting the inherent strength of international Jewish unity during times of adversity. Read More...

WATCH: President Lauder's Emphatic Call for Jewish Unity  President Lauder delivers a compelling message emphasizing the importance of Jewish unity and worldwide solidarity, urging global communities to rally behind Israel during this arduous conflict. Watch Now...

WJC Elevate Representatives Actively Advocate for Israel WJC Elevate members have been addressing the global media, with the aim of ensuring accurate, timely information about the conflict reaches the international community. Our widespread network of passionate leaders is devoted to a singular, unifying mission. Read More...

WJC Elevate Champions Israel's Cause Proactively  Following the conflict's commencement, WJC Elevate members quickly rallied, energetically promoting Jewish unity on an international scale. Their multifaceted efforts span from meticulously organizing rallies, authoring influential op-eds, giving insightful interviews, hosting leadership briefings, to supporting frontline soldiers and local hospitals. Read More...

Stay Informed & Advocate for Truth with WJC's Social Media The World Jewish Congress is tirelessly crafting compelling social media content to counter misinformation and uphold the truth amid the conflict. We invite our communities and supporters to explore, engage with, and share our updates and materials. Stay informed and be part of the narrative by following our social media pages. Follow & Share Now...

Western Leaders Affirm Their Steadfast Stance on Israel  Prominent leaders from nations like the US, UK, Germany, France, and Italy have declared their unwavering, firm support for Israel, loudly condemning Hamas and its heinous actions during this period. Read More...

President Biden's Unwavering Commitment to Israel Israel President Biden reassures Israel and the global community of the US's stern stance against all forms of terrorism, solidifying the nation's commitment to ensuring Israel's defense and wellbeing. Read More...

Secretary Blinken's Heartfelt Remarks in Tel Aviv  Blinken shares a deeply personal familial connection to the Jewish plight, thus underscoring the profound resonance of the conflict for Jews everywhere in today's world. Read More...

OpEd: A Global Shadow Cast by Our Darkest Hour Israeli President Isaac Herzog passionately urges for strong international unity against Hamas and in robust support of Israel, stressing the importance of collective action. Read More...

OpEd | The Stark, Grave Reality of Hamas' True Intentions  WJC General Counsel Emeritus Menachem Rosensaft highlights Hamas's longstanding genocidal tendencies and its perpetual threat to peace and stability. Read More...

Explainer: Comprehensive Understanding of Hamas Delving into Hamas's intricate history, we explore its roots, its violent takeover of Gaza, and its pivotal role in shaping the intricate dynamics of the current volatile situation. Read More...

European Synagogues Bolster Security Amid Growing Antisemitism Anticipating a significant rise in antisemitism, European Jewish communities are heightening surveillance around their pivotal institutions, preparing for potential threats. Read More...

Reports: Rising Antisemitism in UK and Disturbing Acts in Australia There has been an alarming surge of antisemitism in the UK, and disconcerting displays of support for Hamas have emerged from parts of Australia. Read more from: Australia & United Kingdom.

France's Jewish Community Expresses Deep Fears of Backlash Growing concerns about the possible direct correlation between Middle East hostilities and anti-Semitic acts on French soil are becoming more pronounced. Read More...

BBC's Controversial Reporting on Hamas Under Scrutiny Prominent figures are voicing criticism against the BBC for its portrayal of Hamas, emphasizing an urgent need for a reevaluation of their journalistic guidelines. Read More...

Global Landmarks Show Support for Israel Brightly Iconic structures from various corners of the globe are lighting up in Israel's flag colors, displaying a visual show of solidarity post the traumatic Hamas attack. Read More...

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Israel-Hamas war: Israeli military says it’s prepared for air, ground and naval offensive in Gaza

More than 1 million people in the northern Gaza Strip have been ordered to evacuate to the south. Here’s the latest on the war:

https://apnews.com/live/israel-hamas-war-live-updates?

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The Hamas attack wasn’t the Holocaust. But it must be understood in terms of Jewish trauma.

(JTA) — When unspeakable tragedy hits the Jewish people, we turn to memory — we ask not just, “what happened?” We also ask: “What does this remind us of?”

https://www.jta.org/2023/10/13/ideas/the-hamas-attack-wasnt-the-holocaust-but-it-must-be-understood-in-terms-of-jewish-trauma?

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🇮🇱 Sullivan denies White House took "eye off the ball"

Eight days before Hamas launched the deadliest terrorist attack in Israel's history, White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan proclaimed that "the Middle East region is quieter today than it has been in two decades."

Why it matters: Sullivan cautioned in the next sentence that "challenges remain," including tensions between Israelis and Palestinians and the threat from Iran. But the fact that the Hamas attack took the U.S. and Israel by such surprise points to a massive intelligence failure by both countries.

What they're saying: "I made those comments in the context of developments in the wider Middle East region over the last few years," Sullivan told NBC's "Meet the Press," pointing to conflicts in Syria, Yemen, Libya and Iraq, as well as Iranian-backed attacks on Gulf states and the rise of ISIS.

• "At no point did the Biden administration take its eye off the ball of the threats to Israel," Sullivan stressed.
• "In fact, President Biden saw Prime Minister [Benjamin] Netanyahu just weeks before this attack to discuss the security challenges facing the state of Israel."

Screenshot via X

Other highlights from Sullivan's appearances on the Sunday shows:

• Hostages: Sullivan told CNN's "State of the Union" the Biden administration does not currently have "pinpoint location information" about where Hamas is holding Americans, but said officials are working closely with Israel on hostage recovery operations.
• Israel's offensive: Sullivan would not directly answer whether he was satisfied with how Israel is conducting its operation in Gaza, telling ABC's "This Week": "We believe in the protection of civilian life. We believe in the laws of war."
• Civilian evacuations: Sullivan told CBS News' "Face the Nation" the Biden administration is working "around the clock" to ensure all U.S. citizens in Gaza have safe passage into Egypt, adding that humanitarian aid and passage for innocent Palestinians is also a priority.
• Iran: In the wake of warnings from the Islamic Republic about Israel's ground offensive, Sullivan told "Face the Nation" the U.S. "can't rule out that Iran would choose to get directly engaged" in the conflict in some way. He said the U.S. has been "communicating privately with Iran" to deter escalatory action.

Latest updates from the war

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“Beheaded Babies” Report Spread Wide and Fast — but Israel Military Won’t Confirm It

“It’s been about four days since this incredible and tragic escalation of violence and the level of misinformation — even disinformation — seems near unprecedented.”

https://theintercept.com/2023/10/11/israel-hamas-disinformation/?

Hamas Is Dragging Israel Toward the Abyss

Israel has avoided ruling Gaza on the ground — but Hamas may have forced it to try.

https://theintercept.com/2023/10/13/israel-ground-invasion-gaza-hamas/?

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Tlaib and Bush Called to End Violence in Israel and Gaza. Then Fellow Democrats Attacked.

Reps. Rashida Tlaib and Cori Bush called for a ceasefire and were attacked by AIPAC-aligned centrists. Democratic leadership stayed silent.

https://theintercept.com/2023/10/11/israel-tlaib-bush-aipac-gottheimer/?

Israeli Settlers Take Advantage of Gaza Chaos to Attack Palestinians in West Bank

Settlers and soldiers have killed 51 Palestinians in the West Bank since Saturday. At least two Palestinian villages have been entirely depopulated.

https://theintercept.com/2023/10/13/israel-settlers-gaza-palestinians-west-bank/?

Alleged Iran Role in Israel Attack Echoes Bogus Iraq WMD Claims

Israeli and U.S. officials acknowledge there is no proof that Iran directed last weekend’s deadly Hamas attack.

https://theintercept.com/2023/10/12/iran-israel-hamas/?

J Street to Democrats: Back Resolution Supporting Gaza War or Lose Endorsement

Once a “pro-peace” Israel lobby alternative, J Street is pushing a hawkish resolution on Israel that ignores Palestinian civilians.

https://theintercept.com/2023/10/13/j-street-israel-gaza-resolution/?

Not Israel’s 9/11, but a Prison Riot

The George W. Bush administration deserves plenty of blame for what’s happening now in Israel and Gaza.

https://theintercept.com/2023/10/14/israel-gaza-george-bush/?

Before They Vowed to Annihilate Hamas, Israeli Officials Considered It an Asset

Hamas has long offered Israel an alibi to avoid abiding by its supposed commitment to Palestinian statehood.

https://theintercept.com/2023/10/14/hamas-israel-palestinian-authority/?

A Half-Century Ago, Another Major Intel Failure Saw Israel’s Leader Resign

The Hamas surprise attack isn’t history rhyming, it’s a reprise of 1973’s Yom Kippur War — and it doesn’t bode well for Benjamin Netanyahu.

https://theintercept.com/2023/10/14/israel-netanyahu-intel-failure-yom-kippur-war/?

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Gaza’s crowded hospitals near breaking point as Israeli ground invasion looms More than a million people have fled their homes in the besieged Gaza Strip ahead of an expected invasion by Israel aimed at eliminating Hamas. The enclave’s food and water supplies are dwindling and hospitals warn they are on the verge of collapse. Read more.

Recent developments: U.S. and international mediators are trying to negotiate a humanitarian cease-fire to allow aid to come in and foreigners to exit at the Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt, which was closed following airstrikes. The WHO reiterated calls for the immediate delivery of humanitarian aid into Gaza through the crossing including medical supplies for 300,000 patients, fuel, water and food.   Israeli forces including 360,000 reservists have lined Gaza’s border for what Israel said would be a broad campaign. Backed by a growing deployment of U.S. warships, Israel has given no timetable for the ground incursion that aid groups warn could hasten a humanitarian crisis. More than 1,400 Israelis have died, with Israel announcing Monday that the estimated number of hostages held in Gaza has increased to 199.   The Gaza Health Ministry said 2,750 Palestinians have been killed and 9,700 wounded since the fighting erupted. About 500,000 people, nearly a quarter of Gaza’s population, have taken refuge in U.N. schools and other facilities where water supplies were dwindling.

Related coverage ➤  Live updates | Gaza civilians struggle as water runs out at UN shelters Muslim boy killed and woman wounded in Illinois hate crime motivated by Israeli-Hamas war Urban battle from past Gaza war offers glimpse of what an Israeli ground offensive might look like

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At least 199 people are being held hostage by Hamas, Israel says, more than earlier estimates

(JTA) — Israeli officials have notified the relatives of 199 people that their loved ones are believed to be hostages in Gaza, an Israel Defense Forces spokesperson said on Monday.

https://www.jta.org/2023/10/16/israel/at-least-199-people-are-being-held-hostage-by-hamas-israel-says-more-than-earlier-estimates?