Tag: Israel

hamas Israeli

Will Target Hamas Like Human Animals During And After The War: Israeli Min

By LokMarg

Israeli Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Avi Dichter said on Friday that the Hamas organisation have behaved like ‘animals’ and emphasised that his country will target Hamas like ‘human animals’ during and after the war.

“You don’t need justification to fight against an organization like Hamas that have behaved like animals hunting other animals. It’s not going to be to be stopped and we are not going to take it as something that was done, and that’s it. We are going to target those animals, human animals, whether during the war or after the war, nobody is going to escape,” he said.

While speaking with ANI, Israeli Minister Dichter claimed that Hamas and its associates were responsible for the explosion at the Al Ahli Baptist Hospital in Gaza and highlighted that the incident happened the day when the US President was scheduled to land in Tel Aviv.

He added, “Well, we all know that what happened in Gaza Hospital was a Palestinian job. It’s not fully sure whether it was a rocket or a bomb launched by Hamas. This hospital belongs to Christian people. It’s one of the single churches in the Gaza Strip.”

He said further, “It’s not a coincidence that it happened just on the day that the President of the US was supposed to come here and those who saw the movies understand. I must say I know something about it. That’s not an event that happened from a bomb coming from an air strike.”

Meanwhile, the Israel Defence Forces struck several Hezbollah sites in southern Lebanon overnight in retaliation for rockets and missiles fired into northern Israel, the military announced on Friday morning.

The IDF added that one of its drones killed a suspected terrorist inside Lebanon without elaborating.

Hezbollah claimed responsibility for a number of rocket attacks on Israel. One rocket hit a home in Kiryat Shmona, injuring three Israelis. Magen David Adom emergency responders said the victims were a 75-year-old man with moderate injuries, a five-year-old girl and a 30-year-old man who both had light injuries, Israeli News Agency, TPS reported.

Thursday also saw several incidents of gunfire from Lebanon. Israeli authorities began implementing plans to evacuate Kiryat Shmona, on the Lebanese border, to state-funded guest houses. The town has 22,000 residents. (ANI)

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Armoured Vehicles

Israel Receives Armoured Vehicles From US

By LokMarg

Israel received a cargo plane carrying the initial shipment of armoured vehicles from the United States to replace the vehicles damaged during the war, the Israel Ministry of Defence informed on Thursday.

“The Israel Ministry of Defense recently received a cargo plane from the United States, carrying the initial shipment of armoured vehicles designated for use by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). They are being transferred to the IDF to replace vehicles damaged during the war,” the Israel Ministry of Defence posted on X (formerly Twitter).

This comes after US President’s visit to Israel amid the ongoing war with Hamas after the terror group launched a deadly attack.

Over the weekend, US Secretary of Defence Lyod Austin directed the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group to join the USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group which arrived in the Eastern Mediterranean last week.

The Navy units are part of a broader bolstering of US forces in the region. Last week, the Air Force announced the deployment of F-15 and F-16 fighter squadrons and A-10 attack squadrons to the region, according to a US Department of Defence press release.

During his visit, Biden compared the Hamas attack to “fifteen 9/11s” for a nation the size of Israel while retreating that America stood with Israelis and their demand for justice.

“My message to any State or any other hostile actor thinking about attacking Israel remains the same as it was a week ago – Don’t. Don’t. Don’t. Since this terrorist attack, we have seen it described as Israel’s 9/11. But for the nations the size of Israel, it was like fifteen 9/11s,” the US President said at a press conference in Tel Aviv.

Biden also reassured Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of the United States’ unwavering support for Israel. He emphasized the commitment to stand by Israel as it defends its citizens, particularly in the face of recent terrorist attacks by Hamas.

The US President further reaffirmed that the US will continue to work with Israel to prevent the killing of civilians in the war.

Biden’s visit to Israel came after two senior officials — US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin — visited Israel to showcase US’ unwavering support for Israel amid for war.

Antony Blinken has said the US stands with Israel and condemns Hamas for its terrorist attacks.

“We stand with Israel and condemn Hamas for its terrorist attacks. Today, the United States designated two of the group’s leaders and other financial supporters who enabled it to carry out vicious attacks against Israel,” he said.

During his visit to Tel Aviv last week, Austin condemned the “bloodthirsty, fanatical and hateful” attacks by Hamas terrorists.

“The world has just witnessed a great evil: the deadliest attack on civilians in the history of the state of Israel and the bloodiest day in Jewish history since the end of the Holocaust,” Austin said after meeting with Israeli officials.”

So, make no mistake: The United States will make sure that Israel has what it needs to defend itself,” he said. (ANI)

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Modi Palestinian

Modi Speaks To Palestinian Prez, Reaffirms Aid

By LokMarg

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to the President of Palestinian Authority Mahmoud Abbas on Thursday and expressed his condolences at the loss of lives at Al Ahli Hospital in Gaza.

PM Modi also reaffirmed India’s commitment to provide the Palestinian people with humanitarian assistance while reiterating India’s long-standing principled position on the Israel-Palestine issue.

“Spoke to the President of the Palestinian Authority H.E. Mahmoud Abbas. Conveyed my condolences at the loss of civilian lives at the Al Ahli Hospital in Gaza. We will continue to send humanitarian assistance for the Palestinian people,” posted PM Modi on X.

PM Modi in his conversation with Abbas also expressed his concern at terrorism and violence amid the ongoing war and also reiterated India’s position on the issue.

“Shared our deep concern at the terrorism, violence and deteriorating security situation in the region. Reiterated India’s long-standing principled position on the Israel-Palestine issue,” PM Modi’s post added.

Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi has said that India’s position concerning the Palestine issue has been “longstanding and consistent”.

“India has always advocated the resumption of direct negotiations towards establishing a sovereign, independent and viable state of Palestine living within secure and recognised borders side by side at peace with Israel. That position remains the same,” he said.

PM Modi on Wednesday condoled the loss of lives in an explosion at a hospital in Gaza, saying he was “deeply shocked” by the incident. Expressing concern over the mounting civilian casualties in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, the PM said that those behind such deaths should be “held responsible”.

Taking to his official handle on X, PM Modi posted, “Deeply shocked at the tragic loss of lives at the Al Ahli Hospital in Gaza. Our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims, and prayers for speedy recovery of those injured. Civilian casualties in the ongoing conflict are a matter of serious and continuing concern. Those involved should be held responsible.”

An explosion at the hospital in Gaza City on Tuesday claimed the lives of hundreds of people.

Earlier today, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Official Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said India has strongly condemned the “horrific” terrorist attack on Israel and believes the international community must combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.

“We have strongly condemned the horrific terrorist attack on Israel. The international community must stand together in combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations…” Bagchi said during the MEA weekly briefing on Thursday.

Bagchi further said, “There was also the issue of Palestine and on that, we have reiterated our position in favour of direct negotiations for establishing a two-state solution. We have also expressed our concern at the civilian casualties and the humanitarian situation. We would urge the strict observance of international humanitarian law…”

He added, “You would have seen the comments, the tweets as well as a statement from Prime Minister Narendra Modi” on the situation in Israel.

As the Israel-Hamas war enters its 13th day, global protests over deadly strike at Gaza hospital continue with arrests of Jewish anti-war demonstrators reported inside US Congress, according to CNN.

The Palestinian Mission to the UN in Geneva has denounced Israeli disinformation and propaganda after the deadly Gaza hospital explosion. At least 3,785 Palestinians killed in Israeli attacks on Gaza since Hamas’s October 7 attack inside Israel, which killed more than 1,400 people, CNN reported. (ANI)

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Indians Israel

1200 Indians Brought Back From Israel: MEA

By LokMarg

Around 1200 Indian nationals including 18 Nepali nationals have been brought back from Israel under ‘Operation Ajay‘ and more flights will be planned as per the requirements, the Ministry of External Affairs informed on Thursday.

MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi also said that the government is assessing the situation in Israel amid the ongoing war with Hamas.

Addressing a press briefing, Bagchi said, “1200 Indians have come back in five flights under operation Ajay, including 18 Nepali nationals…We are assessing the situation and as per the requirements we will plan further flights”.

He refuted any reports of Indian casualty in Gaza and said that one national is injured in the attacks.

“I thankfully have not received any report of any casualty…one Indian national had been injured and is receiving medical care and I understand her condition is now stable,” he said.

The MEA spokesperson further said that around four Indian nationals are in Gaza while 12-13 nationals are in West Bank.

“There are around four Indian nationals in Gaza…we don’t have exact numbers and are coordinating. There are 12-13 Indian nationals in the West Bank…It’s a little tough to get out from Gaza. There are some reports that some have already got out of there, but we will wait for confirmation,” he said.

Bagchi further informed that no advisory has been issued by the MEA for Lebanon as of now.

“We haven’t issued any advisory for Lebanon as of now. We are monitoring the situation and will issue it accordingly if the need arises,” he said.

Operation Ajay is an ongoing operation conducted by the Indian Armed Forces to evacuate Indian citizens from Israel during the 2023 Israel-Hamas war. It was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to bring back around 18,000 Indians in Israel.

Earlier on Tuesday night, the fifth flight carrying 286 Indian nationals including 18 citizens of Nepal arrived in New Delhi. Upon arrival, they were received by the Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting and Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, L Murugan.

The Indian nationals have applauded the operation and said that there was support from the Indian embassy and the evacuation process was nice and quick.

Following the Hamas attack on Israel, the Indian embassy issued an advisory and requested the Indian citizens living in Israel to be cautious and to register their names in the Indian embassy.

The MEA had set up a 24-hour control room in view of the escalating conflict. The control room will help monitor the situation and provide information and assistance. (ANI)

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Us Capitol

US Capitol Police Arrests Demonstrators Gathered Urging Ceasefire In Gaza

By LokMarg

US Capitol police arrested scores of demonstrators inside the building who had gathered on the National Mall urging the Biden administration to call for a “ceasefire now” amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.

Public access to the Capitol complex has been restricted after a sizable number of demonstrators calling for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas disrupted one of the House office buildings, ANI has learned from a source inside the Capitol Hill building.

“We have been advised by the police to use the tunnels and not the main entrance and exit doors,” a hill staffer told ANI, as the demonstrations unfolded, with members from Jewish groups holding placards that read, “Ceasefire”, “Jews say, Ceasefire now”.

The House Sergeant-at-arms sent out a memo to congressional offices that all visitors would be restricted to a single door in an attempt to control public entry into the campus.

Several barriers of bike-rack fencing were erected around the Capitol building on Tuesday night as a precautionary measure in anticipation of the protest.

The Capitol Police also announced they were closing down roads around the Capitol to ensure the safety of protestors outside.

“A group of protesters are demonstrating inside the Cannon Rotunda. Demonstrations are not allowed inside Congressional Buildings,” the U.S. Capitol Police said in a post on X.

“Demonstrations are not allowed inside Congressional Buildings,” the Capitol Police said after the arrests.

“We warned the protestors to stop demonstrating and when they did not comply we began arresting them,” the Capitol Police added.

Earlier, speaking at a news conference Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that the Hamas terror group was perpetrating a double war crime daily.

“Every day they perpetrate a double war crime, targeting our civilians while hiding behind their civilians, embedding themselves in the civilian population and using them as human shields. We have seen the cost of this terrible double war crime against humanity that Hamas has been perpetrating in the last 11 days” the Israeli Prime Minister said.

Israeli PM stressed that civilians are unfortunately getting harmed, whereas Israel is legitimately targeting terrorists. “Hamas is responsible and should be held accountable for all civilian casualties,” he added.

The ministry says 3,478 people have been killed since Israel began bombing the Strip on October 7, in reaction to a Hamas onslaught in which some 1,400 Israelis were massacred.

Meanwhile, as the Israel-Hamas conflict enters the 13th day, the Israel Air Force attacked military targets of the terrorist organization Hezbollah in the border area with Lebanon. Among the targets, an observation post towards the sea was attacked from where anti-tank fire was launched at Rosh Hankara on Wednesday. The IDF said the attacks were carried out in response to the incidents of shooting at Israel. (ANI)

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Families Of Hostages Slam Israel’s Decision To Allow Aid To Gaza Via Egypt

By LokMarg

As Egyptian President Al-Sisi, the US and Israel agreed to allow humanitarian aid to transfer into the Gaza territory via Egypt, family members of the Israelis being held captive by the Hamas terror group expressed anger on the decision, The Times of Israel reported on Thursday.

According to Israeli newspaper, ‘Bring Them Home Now’ organisation formed to represent families of those kidnapped said in a statement, “The decision to allow humanitarian aid to the murderers of Gaza has caused great anger among the family members.”

“We remind you that children, babies, women, soldiers, men and the elderly — some of whom have serious health issues, are wounded and shot — are being held underground like animals without any human conditions, and the government of Israel is treating the murderers to baklava and medicine,” the group said.

Egypt announced a ‘sustainable’ passage of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip through the Rafah crossing, as hundreds of aid trucks wait at the gates of the enclave.

“Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sissi and American President Joe Biden have agreed on the sustainable delivery of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip via the Rafah terminal,” said presidential spokesperson Ahmed Fahmy in a statement, without specifying a date.

Earlier, US President Joe Biden said that Egypt’s President Al-Sisi has agreed to open the Rafah border crossing to allow roughly 20 trucks to provide humanitarian aid into Gaza.

Aboard Air Force One, Biden told reporters that when he took off for Israel, his key goal was to get humanitarian aid into Gaza and ensure there is a vehicle, a mechanism for it to happen quickly.

“And so, I have been on the phone for the last — I don’t know. We’ve been on the ground a while. That’s why we haven’t taken off — with El-Sisi. I don’t think I was on that long. It was about probably half an hour. And both — my team here was with me. And he agreed that what he would do is open the gate — to do two things: one, let up to 20 trucks through to begin with. Satterfield, my ambassador, is down there in — not down there — in Cairo now. He’s going to coordinate this. He has my authority to do what is needed to get it done,” Biden said in a press gaggle on board Air Force 1 at Ramstein base, Germany.

“When we took off, my goal was multifold, but basically to get humanitarian aid into Gaza and to get as many Americans out who wanted to get out — could get out as possible. And so, we got a commitment, as you know, from the — from the Israelis, including the unanimous vote of their war cabinet and the Prime Minister. And the second thing was that I wanted to make sure there was a vehicle, a mechanism, that this could happen quickly,” the US President said.

On being asked if he was talking about Rafah crossing, Biden responded by saying “yes”, and added, “They’re going to patch the road. They have to fill in potholes to get these trucks through. And that’s going to occur; they expect it’ll take about eight hours tomorrow. So, there may be nothing rolling through until — what’s today? I’m losing track of days. Thursday? Wednesday? Probably until Friday.”He was further asked by reporters if Sisi agreed to open it up, to which the President said, “Yes. For this purpose. For this purpose. Not to allow a lot of people out, but to open it up for this purpose…for the trucks to be able to get through.” (ANI)

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Gaza Israel

Israel Deploys Hundreds Of Tanks, Soldiers On Gaza Border

By LokMarg

As a “ground offensive” of the besieged Gaza Strip loomed, hundreds of Israeli tanks were deployed near the border in south Israel on Thursday, waiting for the all-clear from the country’s political establishment and the military top brass.

Israeli tanks and troops mounted on armoured vehicles were deployed in the region, seeming to suggest that a ground assault on Hamas in their backyard, Gaza, could begin any time soon.

Meanwhile, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) said four rockets of nine launched from Lebanese territory were intercepted, adding that several anti-tank missiles were fired from Lebanon towards Israeli forces.

The IDF added that in response to the attacks, Israeli forces targeted the site in Lebanon from where rockets were fired into Israel and also struck at Hezbollah terrorist infrastructure using tank fire.

The Israeli forces also claimed to have thwarted and dismantled a terrorist cell using a UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) of the IDF.

As Israel gears up for an all-out ground offensive in the Gaza Strip, one of the biggest challenges they face is Hamas’ extensive underground tunnel network in the area. Several experts have warned that in the event of a ground offensive, Israel will lose the clear advantage it has over Hamas in terms of firepower, as it will have to fight the enemy on its terrain.

The densely populated area with a network of tunnels is likely to pose a security challenge for the IDF as it prepares for a ground assault.

An Israel Defence Forces spokesperson on Wednesday said they were striking parts of the tunnel network, but it won’t be an easy battle.

Earlier, during a joint press briefing with US President Joe Biden, Netanyahu said the crimes that the Hamas terrorists perpetrated on civilians in Israel included rape, burning, kidnapping, and targeting small children, adding that the death toll from the Hamas terror attacks stood at 1,400 and was likely to mount.

“October 7 is another day that will live in infamy,” said Netanyahu.

He reiterated President Biden’s statement that “Hamas is worse than ISIS.”

He added, “On Oct 7 Hamas murdered 1400 Israelis in a single day….October 7th, is another day that will live in infamy. Mr President, you rightly said that Hamas is worse than ISIS. The civilised world must unite to defeat Hamas.”

Additionally, The United States deployed two carrier strike groups, each consisting of an aircraft carrier, its planes, and several escort warships, which appeared to have deterred Hezbollah from attacking Israel in a major war, The New York Times reported.

According to the NYT report, quoting American officials, the US and Israeli Intelligence agencies are working to determine whether Israel’s expected ground offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip could prompt Hezbollah to launch a large-scale military campaign against Israel from Lebanon.

The US-based daily reported that the officials have assessed that Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah does not want an all-out war with Israel, for fear of the damage it would do to his group and Lebanon. U.S. officials said that assessment could change as more intelligence is gathered and events unfold.

Prime Minister Netanyahu has vetoed proposals from his government of a pre-emptive strike against Hezbollah, according to American officials and others briefed on the discussions.

Earlier, the US Defence Department reiterated its full support to Israel in the ongoing war on Hamas, saying that the US Secretary of Defence was in continuous touch with the Israeli authorities and leaders.

The US Department of Defence (DOD) said in a statement, “Since meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and members of the Israeli War Cabinet in Tel Aviv on Friday, Austin has remained fully engaged with the country’s leaders as the US works ensure Israel has what it needs to defend itself from further attacks.”

Pentagon Deputy Press Secretary Sabrina Singh said in a statement, “Since leaving Israel, he has held calls with MOD Gallant … on a near daily basis and will likely have another call today”, adding, “We are working to meet Israel’s needs, which include air defence, precision-guided munitions, artillery and medical supplies.”

In addition to quickly sending military aid to Israel, the US has bolstered its presence in the region to deter further aggression.

Over the weekend, US Defence Secretary Austin directed the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group to join the USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group, which arrived in the Eastern Mediterranean last week.

The Navy units are part of a broader bolstering of US forces in the region. Last week, the Air Force announced the deployment of F-15 and F-16 fighter squadrons and A-10 attack squadrons to the region, according to a US Department of Defence press release. (ANI)

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Biden Humanitarian Aid

Biden Announces $100MN In Humanitarian Aid For Gaza, West Bank

By LokMarg

US President Joe Biden, who is on a visit to Israel amid the Israel-Hamas war, has announced humanitarian assistance for both Gaza and the West Bank worth USD 100 million following the deadly airstrike in Gaza, Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital.

He further said that the aid will further help over one million affected Palestinians.

“Today, I’m also announcing USD 100 million in new US funding for humanitarian assistance in both Gaza and the West Bank. This will support more than one million displaced and conflict-affected Palestinians including emergency needs in Gaza,” he said.

Sharing the news on his social media ‘X’, Biden stated, “I just announced USD 100 million for humanitarian assistance in Gaza and the West Bank. This money will support over 1 million displaced and conflict-affected Palestinians. And we will have mechanisms in place so this aid reaches those in need – not Hamas or terrorist groups.”

Biden noted that Israel believed in the fundamental dignity of every human life, which sets us apart from the terrorists.

“When conflicts flare, you live by the law of war which sets us apart from the terrorists as we believe in the fundamental dignity of every human life,” he added.

Noting the needs of people living in Gaza, Biden said, “The people of Gaza need food, water, medicine, shelter. Today, I asked the Israeli cabinet…to agree to the delivery of life-saving humanitarian assistance to civilians in Gaza…and the aid should go to civilians, not to Hamas.”

The US President further said that Israel has agreed to move the humanitarian assistance from Egypt to Gaza.

Furthermore, he stressed that if Hamas diverts or steals the assistance, “it will have demonstrated once again that they have no concern for the welfare of the Palestinian people..and it will stop the international community from being able to provide this aid…”

Biden assured that his administration is in close touch with Israel’s leadership since the first day of attack.

” We are going to make sure you have what you need to protect your people, to defend your nation. For decades, we have ensured Israel’s qualitative military edge,” he said.

Moreover, he also assured that later this week, “I am going to ask US Congress for unprecedented support package for Israel’s defence. We are going to keep Iron Dome fully supplied…We move US military assets to the region, including positioning the USS Ford carrier strike group in the Eastern Mediterranean, with USS Eisenhower on the way to deter, defer further aggression against Israel and to prevent this conflict from spreading.”

Noting that the majority of Palestinians are not Hamas, US President Biden said, “Hamas does not represent the Palestinian people. Hamas uses innocent, innocent families in Gaza as human shields… Palestinian people are suffering greatly as well.”

Condemning the attack at the hospital in Gaza, Biden said that he was outraged and saddened by the enormous loss of lives that happened yesterday.

“Based on the information we have seen today, it appears as a result of a rocket fired by a terrorist group in Gaza. The United States unequivocally stands for the protection of civilian life during the conflict…,” he added.

Earlier in the day, Biden reassured Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of the United States’ unwavering support for Israel. He emphasized the commitment to stand by Israel as it defends its citizens, particularly in the face of recent terrorist attacks by Hamas.

“In the wake of Hamas appalling terror assaults, brutal, inhuman…I want you to know you are not alone,” Biden emphasized.

In response, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the attack on Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital in Gaza, and said, “We saw the cost of this terrible war crime yesterday when a rocket fired by Palestinian terrorists misfired and landed on a Palestinian hospital. The entire world was rightfully outraged but this outrage should be directed not at Israel but at the terrorists.”

“We have asked them (civilians) to move to safer areas. We will continue to work with you Mr President (Biden) to ensure that the minimal requirements are met and we will continue to work together to get our hostages out,” he said. (ANI)

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Joe Biden

Biden Arrives In Tel Aviv

By LokMarg

US President Joe Biden arrived in Tel Aviv on Wednesday to meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and show support to its Middle Eastern ally as Israel entered into the 12th day of war against the Hamas terror group. 

The US President was received by PM Netanyahu and President Issac Herzog on the tarmac. The usual formalities for such a visit, such as a greeting by the full Israeli cabinet and religious leaders, etc were not observed.

The US President’s visit comes amid an explosion on a hospital in Gaza which claimed the lives of hundreds present in and near the premises.  

Biden on Wednesday departed for Israel from Joint Base Andrews, Maryland.

Security measures were significantly strengthened ahead of the US President’s official visit to war-torn Israel.

To ensure the safety of the US President, several roads were closed and security personnel have been deployed in the city.

Earlier today, US National Security Council (NSC) coordinator for strategic communications, John Kirby, said that President Biden will call on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to ensure there is no further escalation in the ongoing war with terror group Hamas.

“When he talks to PM Netanyahu, he’ll be asking some tough questions, as a true friend of Israel. He’s also going to make it clear that we continue to want to see this conflict not expand, not deepen…He will address the humanitarian situation in Gaza, making it clear, that we want to see humanitarian assistance flow in,” Kirby said.   

Sharing further details of the President’s visit to Israel, he said that Biden and PM Netanyahu will have a “very small, restricted,” bilateral meeting, adding that the former will also engage with some families that lost their loved ones in the Hamas terror attacks.

Kirby, who was on board Air Force One en route to Israel, also brought up the explosion at the Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital in Gaza, that has claimed several lives, saying that Israel had already denied any involvement in the explosion.

However, he said that President Biden has ordered the National Security team to get more details on the nature of the explosion and find out who was responsible.

“They (Israel) have categorically denied that they were involved in that, so I’ll let them speak to their statement on that. I wouldn’t characterize this as an investigation. He (President Biden) has directed the National Security team to gather as much information and context as possible. We all want to know how this could have happened,” Kirby added.

Meanwhile, the IDF released footage from the time of the explosion at the Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital, showing a failed launch by Palestinian Islamic Jihad caused the blast, rather than an Israeli airstrike.

Earlier on October 16, United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Israel, the second time within a few days, to pledge support for the country as it prepares a major military offensive in Gaza. (ANI)

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Jordan's King

Jordan Cancels Biden Summit With Arab Leaders After Gaza Hospital Blast

By LokMarg

Jordan has cancelled a summit with United States President Joe Biden and Egyptian and Palestinian leaders to discuss Gaza scheduled in Amman on Wednesday, Al Jazeera reported quoting the country’s Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi.

Safadi said the meeting would be held at a time when the parties could agree to end the “war and the massacres against Palestinians” and blamed Israel with its military campaign for pushing the region to “the brink of the abyss”.

Biden had been scheduled to meet with Jordan’s King Abdullah, Egyptian president Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, and Palestinian Authority president Mahmound Abbas after first visiting Israel.

According to Al Jazeera, Jordan’s King Abdullah would have hosted the four-way summit, which would have on its agenda the need to get humanitarian assistance to Gaza to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe.

Abdullah has blamed Israel for a blast at a Gaza hospital that killed about 500 Palestinians on Tuesday, saying it was a “shame on humanity” and called on Israel to immediately end its military assault on Gaza.

The cancellation reflects an increasingly volatile situation that will test the limits of US influence in the region as Biden visits Israel on Wednesday, Al Jazeera reported.

The White House earlier in a statement said that US President has postponed his visit to Jordan after Tuesday’s explosion at a Gaza hospital that killed hundreds of people.

Initially, Biden was supposed to travel to Jordan after visiting Israel during its conflict with Hamas.

“After consulting with King Abdullah II of Jordan and in light of the days of mourning announced by President Abbas of the Palestinian Authority, President Biden will postpone his travel to Jordan and the planned meeting with these two leaders and President Sisi of Egypt,” a White House official said.”

“The President sent his deepest condolences for the innocent lives lost in the hospital explosion in Gaza and wished a speedy recovery to the wounded. He looks forward to consulting in person with these leaders soon, and agreed to remain regularly and directly engaged with each of them over the coming days,” the official added.

Biden departed for Israel from the Joint Base Andrews, Maryland on Tuesday.

“I am outraged and deeply saddened by the explosion at the Al Ahli Arab hospital in Gaza, and the terrible loss of life that resulted. Immediately upon hearing this news, I spoke with King Abdullah II of Jordan, and Prime Minister Netanyahu of Israel and have directed my national security team to continue gathering information about what exactly happened,” Biden said in a statement before he boarded Air Force One for Israel.

“The United States stands unequivocally for the protection of civilian life during conflict and we mourn the patients, medical staff and other innocents killed or wounded in this tragedy,” Biden said.

John F Kirby, spokesman for the White House had on board the Air Force One told reporters that Biden had spoken with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu before leaving for Israel, the New York Times reported.

Biden would talk to both Mr. Abbas and President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi of Egypt on his return flight, the US official said.

Upon reaching Israel on Wednesday to stand in solidarity in the face of Hamas’s brutal terrorist attack, he will consult on the next steps with top Israeli leaders there.

Sharing on his social media, ‘X’, Biden said on Tuesday, “I’m travelling to Israel tomorrow to stand in solidarity in the face of Hamas’s brutal terrorist attack and to consult on the next steps. I’ll then travel to Jordan to meet with leaders and address dire humanitarian needs–and make clear that Hamas does not stand for Palestinians’ right to self-determination.”

However, his visit has been called off for now and he would now, will only be visiting Israel.On Joe Biden’s upcoming visit to Israel, US’ National Security Council (NSC) coordinator for strategic communications, John Kirby in a video posted by White House on X, earlier today said,

“The President will spend a lot of time talking about the humanitarian situation in Gaza for the Palestinian people…This is a critical time, a critical trip, and a very important opportunity, not just for the President, but for leaders across the region to make sure that we send a strong signal to terrorists and a strong signal to innocent civilians who are impacted by this conflict,” Kirby said.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken while addressing a press conference on Tuesday informed that President Biden is coming to Israel at a “critical moment” and will reaffirm the US’ solidarity with Israel.”

He further added by saying that President Biden will continue to coordinate closely with the Israeli partners to secure the release of hostages taken by Hamas.

Blinken noted that President Biden will also receive a comprehensive brief on Israel’s war aims and strategy. (ANI)

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