Israel Gaza live news: Israel pounds Gaza with non-stop strikes after overnight bombing causes 'total chaos' - BBC News
The latest news is coming in from a variety of sources in the Middle East. Rushdi Abualouf is reporting from Gaza, while Jeremy Bowen and Lucy Williamson are in southern Israel. The team in Jerusalem includes Lyse Doucet, Fergal Keane, Paul Adams, Wyre Davies, Alice Cuddy, and Tom Bateman. Anna Foster is stationed in northern Israel, and Hugo Bachega is reporting from southern Lebanon.
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Two Hospitals Attacked: One Hit, One Targeted Nearby
I am reporting live from Khan Younis in the Gaza Strip.
We have learned that the Bait Lahia hospital in Indonesia was hit and rendered inoperable by air strikes that occurred last night. Additionally, individuals in the vicinity have reported observing attacks on nearby roads leading to Gaza city's largest hospital, Shifa.
Night Of Heavy Strikes Sees Israeli Tanks Enter North-west Gaza
Hello from Khan Younis, Gaza!
Many Israeli airstrikes have occurred since yesterday evening and throughout today all over the Gaza Strip.
We are currently situated in the southern region, specifically Khan Younis, where approximately 20 airstrikes have occurred throughout the day.
The areas which experienced the most concentrated shelling were located in the northern, western, and eastern sections of the Strip. It has been reported that tanks were present as far as 2 kilometers into the northwestern area of Gaza, near the shoreline.
For the past day, communicating has been incredibly challenging. The primary mobile service providers and internet connections are currently out of order. However, individuals with global sim cards who are in proximity to the border have the ability to stay connected with external sources through Israeli mobile networks and roaming services.
A radio station that was able to keep broadcasting had an interview with their reporter in the northern region. The reporter explained that the strikes that happened last night were the biggest ones ever in that area. He compared the impact of the strikes to an earthquake.
"Israeli Diplomats Recall From Turkey Amid Tensions"
The Foreign Minister of Israel, Eli Cohen, recently announced on X social media that Israeli diplomats will be returning from Turkey. This decision was made as a response to what he refers to as the "severe comments" coming from Istanbul.
In our previous blog post, we mentioned that the President of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, referred to Israel's actions in Gaza as a "massacre".
Erdogan To Label Israel As War Criminal
In Istanbul, there was a large and enthusiastic audience listening to Recep Tayyip Erdogan's speech, where he labeled Israel's attacks in Gaza as a "massacre," and accused their western allies of being primarily responsible for the Israeli war crimes.
"We will expose Israel as a war criminal to the international community and are actively working towards this goal."
Erdogan is persisting with his position that he doesn't view Hamas as a "terrorist organization". This label has been given to Hamas in several countries including the US and UK.
The leader addressed an enormous platform, declaring to a multitude of 1.5 million individuals.
The Great Palestine Rally, which took place at the abandoned Ataturk Airport, saw the participants waving flags from Turkey and Palestine. Similar events have been hosted by Erdogan at the same venue in the past.
On Saturday, he repeated his disapproval of the Western world's reluctance to demand a stop to the violence in Gaza. He also called for solidarity among the Muslim community.
International Community Divided On Gaza Situation
Israel has steadily increased its military actions, and its nearest supporters have demonstrated their ongoing backing.
John Kirby, who works as a representative for national security in the White House under President Biden, recently spoke to CBS News about the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. He stated that Israel has the full right and obligation to protect themselves and strike back against Hamas and their leaders who are currently hiding behind innocent civilians in Gaza. These comments were also supported by James Cleverly, the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs in the UK.
Kirby made it clear that the United States would keep providing Israel with the necessary resources and abilities to fight against Hamas.
Both gentlemen expressed their support for a temporary suspension to allow the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza.
However, concerns about the well-being of the people living in Gaza have resulted in diverging reactions from different countries around the world.
Yesterday night, a non-binding decision was made by the United Nations General Assembly urging for a prompt, enduring, and persistent humanitarian truce that results in halting hostile acts. This resolution was supported by 120 countries that included France, Spain, Ireland, and Belgium.
Thirteen countries including the United States did not support the resolution that did not acknowledge Hamas, leading Israel to express its anger by referring to it as an "infamy."
Although the vote is not legally binding, it serves as an indication that the opinions within the global community may become more divided as the circumstances for innocent civilians in Gaza deteriorate.
UN Peacekeeping HQ In Southern Lebanon Hit By Shell
Writing from the southern region of Lebanon
According to a spokesperson for the United Nations peacekeeping mission (Unifil), a projectile has landed inside their headquarters located in southern Lebanon. This has occurred during a time when tensions are increasing at the border between Lebanon and Israel.
The casing didn't blow up, and nobody got injured, yet the military installation located in Naqoura got harmed.
Unifil is currently conducting an investigation to confirm the source of the assault.
Over the past three weeks, there have been multiple occurrences of gunfire being traded between the Israeli military and the Lebanese group, Hezbollah, in the border area.
"Waiting For Daughter In Gaza: An Anxious British Mum"
Lalah Ali Faten, who resides in Manchester, has been depending on regular messages sent through WhatsApp from her daughter Zaynab who is presently in Gaza.
Although the messages were short, they were offering a sense of comfort.
Earlier this week, Lalah informed me that her friend is going through an unprecedented experience. The situation is causing a lot of distress for her, but she is putting up a brave front for others when she communicates with them via messages or in person.
However, following our conversation, Israel initiated a severe bombardment of the Gaza Strip during the night of Friday, causing all communication methods - including mobile phone networks and the internet - to cease functioning.
Lalah keeps refreshing her phone as she waits for news from Zaynab. Zaynab is staying near Rafah, which is near the border of Egypt, with her spouse. They went to Gaza to attend a family wedding but arrived just two days before the start of the conflict.
The marriage ceremony did not take place.
The text cannot be reproduced or copied without permission. This article is protected by copyright and cannot be duplicated or replicated without prior authorization from the author, Lalah Abu Faten.
Lalah has been going through a very difficult time lately.
She expressed a sense of helplessness. She conveyed that whatever efforts she puts in, it doesn't seem sufficient.
Israeli Media Reports: Netanyahu To Meet Hostage Families Tonight
According to reports from Israeli media, the Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, is anticipated to have a meeting with the representatives of 229 hostage families who are currently being held by Hamas. This information was reportedly released by Netanyahu's office.
Earlier today, Yoav Gallant, the defence minister of Israel, declared his intention to have a meeting with the families on Sunday.
Family members of Israelis held captive by Hamas held a ceremony in Tel Aviv to show their support.
Gaza Photographer: Situation Catastrophic Now
As a journalist stationed in Jerusalem, I cover news and events from the Middle East. My role is to gather information, conduct interviews, and report on stories related to this region. From political developments to cultural happenings, I strive to deliver accurate and timely updates to readers and viewers around the world. It is a challenging yet rewarding job that allows me to stay informed about one of the most complex and fascinating parts of the world.
I recently got in touch with Shehab Younis, a photographer based in Gaza. He has been sharing his work on Instagram despite the low quality of his mobile phone signal.
Shehab declared the current state of affairs as disastrous as I attempted to reach out to him several times, but the call kept cutting off. He sent me a WhatsApp audio message stating that they are unable to establish communication with individuals who have been subjected to attack or harm.
It seems that the residents of Gaza who have been affected by the airstrikes are facing difficulties in reaching out for ambulances due to communication disruptions. This is a major concern as the safety and wellbeing of the wounded is at stake.
Earlier today, Shehab shared a clip on his social media featuring an injured man who was bleeding heavily being quickly carried out from a structure. Some individuals were heard loudly requesting for an ambulance. Eventually, they fast-tracked the injured man onto the rear end of a vehicle.
Shehab stated that the absence of communication and internet services has made the situation extremely difficult when houses are under bombardment.
He mentions that when bombs explode in the vicinity, a significant number of hospitals and government buildings are affected by the harmful effects of negativity.
"Gaza's Insight: Voice Note With Explosive Backdrop"
We have just been sent an audio message from an individual residing in Deir al-Balah, which is located in the central part of Gaza.
He said that all of a sudden last night, the connection was lost and everything was disconnected.
It was strange to see individuals clutching onto their mobile devices in search of a signal. The situation was abnormal.
While he is talking, a loud blast is audible in the distance.
Currently, there is a strike happening which has caused a hazardous situation. The individuals residing here are incredibly apprehensive and on edge. Consequently, they are frantically searching for their family members and affectionate associates.
"I am receiving requests from individuals who are inquiring about locating their family members. The condition is incredibly stressful."
According to a resident in Gaza, the locals are not being updated about the situation in the northern region of the area. This specific territory has been greatly affected by the strikes inflicted by Israel during the night. However, the resident was able to communicate with us due to possessing an Israeli eSIM.
According to him, Gaza is isolated from the rest of the world.
Gaza Refugee Camp Devastated
Beforehand, we provided you with some pictures taken at the Al-Shati refugee camp situated in the northern part of Gaza. The area was extensively harmed due to attacks carried out by Israel.
We have footage from within the camp displaying smoke ascending from certain ruined structures while individuals endeavor to unblock the roads using a bulky piece of machinery.
The attack by Israel on Gaza that took place last night was extremely severe, especially focused on the northern areas. It is still unclear as to the number of casualties that occurred in the refugee camps.
The place where over 90,000 individuals reside was attacked multiple times in recent weeks as a result of Israel's response to the 7th of October assault by Hamas.
Disrupting Enemy Communication Through 'Standard Behavior': Netanyahu Adviser
As we have previously mentioned, Gaza is experiencing a communication blackout, which is causing problems for regular people, aid organizations, and reporters who are trying to reach out to the rest of the world. Some stories suggest that the cause of the blackout may be traced back to Israeli officials.
During the Today programme by BBC, a query was presented to Mark Regev, who is the senior consultant to Benjamin Netanyahu, whether it is considered appropriate to stop communication channels.
"In the British army's military missions, it is common practice for the American army to interfere with the communication channels of the opposing forces," Regev stated.
When asked by the BBC whether Israel intentionally cut off communication to Gaza, Regev did not confirm or deny the accusation. Instead, he stated that it is a standard procedure for armies in Western democracies.
He mentioned that he was anticipating a detailed explanation from the Israeli Defense Forces in order to respond to the inquiry about the reasons behind the communication system failure.
Loud And Calm London Protest: Fireworks And Flares
As a correspondent covering domestic affairs, I am currently reporting from Waterloo.
A massive protest is currently happening in the central London area of Waterloo, with little police intervention.
The Metropolitan Police has announced that it will adopt a proactive stance towards any indications or vocal expressions that may infringe terrorism laws by endorsing Hamas.
A group of people in the crowd is shouting out the phrase "from the river to the sea". This refers to the area of land that lies between the River Jordan and the Mediterranean. The Home Secretary of the UK, Suella Braverman, had advised the police chiefs to interpret this chant as a "violent expression" of the desire to eliminate Israel from the world. Israel and many Jewish organizations are in agreement with this interpretation.
The Palestinian Solidarity Campaign and some other activists are challenging the interpretation of the slogan, arguing that it is actually symbolizing “the entitlement of every Palestinian individual to attain freedom, fairness, and righteousness”.
Up to this point, I haven't noticed any clear indications urging for "jihad" - before the demonstrations today, the Metropolitan Police had indicated that if protesters used the term in their chants, officers would have to get involved.
A few people have ignited fireworks and flares, taking a chance of attracting the police, but the demonstration is tranquil and rowdy.
Israel's Defense Minister: War Phase Has Changed
The defense minister of Israel, Yoav Gallant, has announced that the military's strategy in the ongoing war has undergone a change. He also stated that the operation will persist for an unspecified period.
He informed the Kan 11 Israeli television channel that the ground in Gaza trembled tonight.
We carried out assault both on and below the surface. We targeted terrorist agents across all echelons and locations. The commands given to our troops are unambiguous: we will persist in our operation until a new order is given.
Hamas Claims Israeli Vehicles In NW Gaza
Around one hour ago, the official Telegram account for the Izzedine al-Qassam Brigades announced that they had carried out an attack on Israeli vehicles located in the north-west part of Gaza. The Izzedine al-Qassam Brigades are known to be the military force of Hamas.
After previous statements from the Israeli military about the entrance of troops and tanks into Gaza during the night, they have now confirmed that they have yet to leave the area. However, the exact location of their entrance remains undisclosed.
As of now, we haven't confirmed the authenticity of the video shared by Israel's military today that displayed their tanks and other vehicles present in Gaza. They had previously declared that their ground troops were broadening their activities last night.
Defense Minister Of Israel Set To Meet Captive Families
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Tomorrow, the defence minister of Israel, Yoav Gallant, will have a meeting with the families of individuals who are being held captive by Hamas.
The families of some of the 229 hostages have requested a meeting with Gallant, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and other members of the war cabinet to discuss the safety of their loved ones. As a result, a meeting has been scheduled to take place.
The families issued a statement last night, describing the bombing on Friday as the most severe one yet. This is because they were unable to assure the safety of their dear ones amidst the IDF operations.
At a demonstration in Tel Aviv today, Noam Ben Nun, a pal of someone being held captive, voiced his concerns for the hostages. He stated: "We're all scared for their safety. Our ultimate goal is to bring them back safe and sound."
He stated that there have been ongoing protests in Tel Aviv for three weeks now and "the government has not responded or communicated with the people."
We cannot find helpful responses or explanations to our inquiries and feel a sense of hopelessness.
"Unexpected Survival: We Made It To Morning"
At last, we have managed to get in touch with a reporter situated in Gaza City. The journalist conveyed the bombing that occurred during the night as "cruel."
"We never thought we would make it through the night," he stated.
He stated that intense airstrikes had occurred "on the streets, government structures, open areas, and the seaside."
We're located in the heart of the city, but most of the bombing occurred towards the west and north. My residence is situated in one of those areas.
Israel Defense Forces Use Multiple Ways To Deliver Warning
A correspondent who specializes in diplomacy is currently reporting from the city of Jerusalem.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) has informed the BBC that they have utilized numerous approaches to communicate their latest warning to the inhabitants of Gaza. These methods include dispersing flyers from the sky, broadcasting through radio and the internet, and using undisclosed tactics that cannot be further explained.
Israel Urges Gaza Civilians To Evacuate South
Daniel Hagari, the representative of the Israel defense force, has made a pressing request to the inhabitants of northern Gaza and Gaza city to relocate to the southern area without delay.
Hagari mentioned on X that they can go back to their residences when the "severe conflict comes to an end".
He explains that Hamas is endangering civilian lives by storing weapons in areas populated by non-combatants, and that Israel will not forgive the group for their vicious attacks on 7 October.
Hagari cautions that you don't have much time left to take action. For your own well-being, it is best to relocate to the southern region as soon as possible.
Gaza is a tiny piece of land confined by the Mediterranean Sea, Egypt and Israel. It's home to approximately 2.3 million inhabitants and ranks among the most crowded regions globally.
During the conflict in 1967, Israel took control of Gaza and remained there until 2005.
During the 2006 elections, Hamas emerged victorious as the chosen political party by Palestinians, and subsequently, in the following year, took over Gaza by removing the opposing Fatah movement, which was led by President Mahmoud Abbas who operated in the West Bank.
Starting from 2007, Hamas has governed Gaza and is an Islamic group that is determined to eradicate Israel.
Hamas and Israel have engaged in multiple conflicts. Egypt also joined in and created a blockade around the strip to isolate Hamas and prevent any attacks, especially the random shooting of rockets towards Israeli cities.
Residents of Gaza who identify as Palestinians argue that Israel's limitations and bombardments on densely populated zones qualify as a form of collective penalization.
Israel claims that Hamas has constructed a covert network of tunnels beneath the Gaza Strip, which they utilize to launch rockets at Israel and coordinate activities.
Click here to expand your knowledge about the existence in Gaza while under siege.
