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

By LokMarg 20th October 2023

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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US Capitol Police Arrests Demonstrators Gathered Urging Ceasefire In Gaza

By LokMarg 19th October 2023

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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Israel Deploys Hundreds Of Tanks, Soldiers On Gaza Border

By LokMarg 19th October 2023

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 Arrives In Tel Aviv

By LokMarg 18th October 2023

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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Israel Will Not Stop Until Hamas Destroyed: Netanyahu Tells Putin

By LokMarg 17th October 2023

The office of Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday shared details of his telephonic conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, saying that the former briefed him on the ongoing counter-offensive against Hamas, following the October 7 terror attacks, and his talks with several leaders from the region and the Palestinian authorities.

“The Prime Minister made it clear that Israel had been attacked by brutal and abhorrent murderers, had gone to war determined and united, and would not stop until it had destroyed Hamas’s military and governing capabilities,” the Israel PM’s office tweeted from its official handle on X.

It posted further that PM Netanyahu told the Russian President that the Israeli forces won’t relent till they “eliminate Hamas”.

According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, during their telephone conversation, Putin highlighted the measures Russia is taking to stop the bloodshed in the Gaza Strip from escalating further.

“President of Russia Vladimir #Putin spoke with Prime Minister of the State of Israel @netanyahu over the phone,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia posted on X.

“President Putin laid out the steps being taken by Russia to prevent the further escalation of violence in the Gaza Strip,” it added.

Moscow said the conversation was centred on “the crisis situation resulting from the brutal escalation of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict”.

“The Israeli side was in particular informed of the essential points of telephone correspondences that took place today with the leaders of Palestine, Egypt, Iran and Syria,” the Kremlin said in a statement.

The Russian President also expressed “his sincere condolences to the families and friends of the deceased Israelis”, the Kremlin said, according to The Moscow Times.

Along with that, he informed the Israeli leader of the measures taken by Russia to “promote the normalisation of the situation, prevent a further escalation of violence, and prevent a humanitarian catastrophe in the Gaza Strip”.

The Russian President also expressed to Netanyahu his country’s “fundamental desire to continue its targeted action aimed at ending” the crisis and achieving “a peaceful settlement through political and diplomatic means,” according to a statement from the government, reported The Moscow Times.

The Israeli military is all set to launch a ground invasion in the Gaza Strip, but its extent and when it is carried out may be affected by operational considerations, as tensions grow on the northern border.

Meanwhile, Israel’s National Security Council head Tzachi Hanegbi reaffirmed that the cabinet’s war goal is to remove Hamas from military and political control over the Gaza Strip.

Hanegbi said at a recent cabinet meeting that the government approved a plan to “destroy” Hamas. (ANI)

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Hamas-Israel War: Biden Condemns Horrific Act Of Hate In Chicago

By LokMarg 16th October 2023

US President Joe Biden expressed shock and condemned the “horrific act of hate” that occurred in Chicago where a man allegedly stabbed and killed a 6-year-old boy and seriously wounded his mother, allegedly because they are Muslim tenants, CNN reported.

A Chicago-based man, Joseph M Czuba, aged 71, has been arrested and charged with murder and hate crimes after allegedly stabbing and killing a 6-year-old boy and seriously wounding his mother, CNN reported.

The victims, a Palestinian family, were targeted due to their religion and amid the ongoing Hamas-Israel war.

The sheriff’s office said Czuba did not make a statement to detectives but investigators determined the victims were “targeted by the suspect due to them being Muslim and the ongoing Middle Eastern conflict involving Hamas and the Israelis,” CNN reported.

The family is Palestinian and “came to America seeking what we all seek–a refuge to live, learn, and pray in peace,” according to the White House.

Czuba faces charges of first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, two counts of a hate crime, and aggravated battery with a deadly weapon. The US Justice Department has initiated a federal hate crime investigation into the attack, US Attorney General Merric Garland announced on Sunday

The family is Palestinian and “came to America seeking what we all seek–a refuge to live, learn, and pray in peace,” according to the White House.

The 6-year-old victim, Wadea Al-Fayoume, was fatally stabbed 26 times, while his 32-year-old mother, Hanaan Shahin, sustained over a dozen stab wounds but is expected to recover.

President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden expressed their shock and condolences for the family, condemning the “horrific act of hate.” They emphasised that such acts have no place in America and go against the nation’s fundamental values of religious freedom and tolerance.

“Our condolences and prayers are with the family. This act of hate against a Palestinian Muslim family has no place in America,” posted Biden on X.

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) identified the victims and highlighted the need to combat Islamophobia and anti-Palestinian racism in society.

In a statement on X, CAIR National wrote they were “shocked and disturbed” to hear of the boy’s death, and said, “The Islamophobic rhetoric and anti-Palestinian racism being spread by politicians, media outlets, and social media platforms must stop,” as reported by CNN.

The Palestinian Foreign Ministry also strongly condemned the act of racism and hatred that led to the 6-year-old Palestinian child’s death, calling for accountability for those promoting such actions.

“The ministry also condemns the incitement campaigns, attacks, racist statements, and provocative positions that have been directed against Palestinian citizens and several Palestinian embassies and ambassadors in some countries,” it said in a statement, adding that it “calls on all nations to confront these actions and to hold their promoters and those behind them accountable.”

Joseph M Czuba is in custody at the Will County Adult Detention Facility, awaiting his initial court appearance, CNN reported. (ANI)

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Israeli Min Thank India For Standing With Them

By LokMarg 16th October 2023

Israel’s Minister of Diaspora Affairs Amichai Chikli has thanked the Indian leadership, and the people of India for standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Israel in its fight against Hamas.

“I want to thank the leadership of India, the people of India for being with us shoulder-to-shoulder in this fight against brutal jihadist barbaric Islamist. This is not just our war, this is your war too and we will win it together with your support,” he said.

He further said: “I want to tell the people of India – we share the same values, we cherish life, we cherish good…We believe in human values.”

He said that there are more than 120 confirmed hostages. “We will make every effort to bring them back home. It won’t be simple. As you know, Hamas has absolutely zero mercy, zero human values…So, we have no expectations from Hamas. Still, we believe we might, with intelligence, with efforts, maybe we can rescue some of them,” he said.

“My recommendation for Hamas militants – lay down your weapon, raise up your hands, come from your tunnel and maybe there will be mercy,” he added.

One of the towns that bore the brunt of the Hamas’ attack is Sderot in the South of Israel. Sderot Mayor Alon Davidi says Hamas must be destroyed.

“I have six children. All of them live in this situation. More than 50,000 people live in this situation. All of this time, I have asked the government to destroy Hamas” said the Sderot Mayor while speaking to ANI.

“We now see that the Hamas is the new ISIS of the world. Now, it’s not just Israel’s but everybody’s role to destroy the Hamas. It is like the Hezbollah, the ISIS,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Coordinator for the Captives and Missing Brigadier-General (Ret.) Gal Hirsch in his Second Meeting with Deputy US Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs Steven Gillen, said: “I thank you for standing alongside Israel and greatly appreciate the assistance.”

US State Secretary Antony Blinken has said the US stands with Israel as it defends itself. “The United States is also actively working to ensure the people of Gaza can get out of harm’s way and the assistance they need — food, water, medicine — can get in. Hamas does not care if Palestinians suffer,” he said.

Blinken arrived in Israel on Monday, the second time within a few days, to pledge support for the country as it prepares a major military offensive in Gaza, the Washington Post reported.

Blinken who was in Israel on Thursday returned to the country after a tour in which he met with Egyptian President Abdel Fatah El-Sisi, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and King Abdullah II of Jordan.

The visit comes amid reports in Israeli media that during a phone call on Saturday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu invited Biden to Israel, the US daily reported.

The Israeli Air Force (IAF) meanwhile continues to attack the Gaza Strip.

In the last few hours, dozens of operational headquarters and mortar bomb launching positions were destroyed. In addition, the military headquarters of Ali Kachi, one of the commanders in the Najaba force of the terrorist organization Hamas, who was eliminated a few days ago, was destroyed.

Earlier, Israel President Isaac Herzog revealed a disturbing Hamas booklet found on the body of a Palestinian terrorist killed in one of the Gaza-area communities on Sunday.

“This booklet is an operating manual, how to enter citizens’ yards, kibbutz, city, moshav, how to break in there. And first – and what do you do when you find the citizens? You torture them. This is the booklet that says exactly how to torture them, how to kidnap them,” Herzog told CNN’s Wolf Blitzer.

In a copy of the guide provided for the press, the manual — titled “The Warrior’s Guide: Jihadi Version” — outlines tactics, which include creating chaos, intimidating captives, and using tactics such as electric shocks and even live executions.

The eight-page guide instructs the kidnappers to utilize captives as human shields if attacked, regardless of their religion, race, or gender. The hostages should be “killed when necessary,” especially if there is any sign of revolt among them, it said, while instructed terrorists to document their actions live.

Many of the terrorists wore GoPro cameras and their footage was uploaded to social media. (ANI)

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IDF Eliminates Another Senior Hamas Commander In Airstrike

By LokMarg 15th October 2023

A senior Hamas commander, who led multiple murderous attacks was killed during the Israeli airstrike, the Israel Defence Forces said on Sunday, the Times of Israel reported.

The IDF says Billal al-Qedra, the commander of the so-called Nukhba unit’s southern Khan Younis battalion, was killed in an airstrike following intelligence efforts by the Shin Bet security agency and Military Intelligence Directorate.

He had led the murderous attacks on the southern communities of Nirim and Nir Oz last weekend, Times of Israel reported.

“He was responsible for the murderous raid in Kibbutz Nirim and Nir Oz,” the IDF says.

The IDF stated that several more Hamas and Islamic Jihad terrorists were killed in airstrikes overnight in the Gaza Strip.

Meanwhile, the IDF hit over 100 targets overnight, including Hamas command centers, military compounds, dozens of rocket launchers, anti-tank missile launch posts and observation posts; and Islamic Jihad command centers, Times of Israel reported.

“IDF warplanes, under the intelligence guidance of the Shin Bet, killed last night in the Gaza Strip, Bilal al-Kedra, the commander of the Nakhaba force in the South Khan Yunis battalion of the terrorist organization Hamas, who was responsible for the murderous raid on Kibbutz Nirim and Nir Oz. In addition, other operatives in the terrorist organization Hamas as well as in the Palestinian Islamic Jihad were eliminated,” IDF posted on X (formerly Twitter).

Earlier on Saturday, the IDF eliminated another big commander in Hamas’s commando forces who led one of the attacks on southern Israel communities last week, The Times of Israel reported.

“Ali Qadi led the inhumane, barbaric October 7 massacre of civilians in Israel. We just eliminated him. All Hamas terrorists will meet the same fate,” the IDF wrote on ‘X’.

Earlier in the day, the IDF alleged that the terror group Hamas is blocking the evacuation of civilians in the Gaza Strip ahead of the possible ground offensive by Israel after the deadly attacks on October 7.

Meanwhile, the Israeli soldiers, along with tanks and munitions were deployed near the Gaza border on Saturday as they prepare for a full ground offensive against Hamas.

The IDF has asked residents of the Northern Gaza Strip to relocate to the southern part of the enclave using evacuation corridors between 10 am to 4 pm (local time), The Times of Israel reported.

In a video message, IDF International Spokesperson, Lt Col Richard Hecht stated, “The IDF is calling for the people of Gaza to evacuate to southern Gaza for their safety. Israel and Hamas are at war…”

In a major escalation on October 7, Hamas launched a “surprise attack” on Israel, firing a barrage of rockets into the southern and central parts of the country.

According to the latest updates, at least 1300 people have lost their lives and over 3000 have been injured in the Hamas terror attacks on Israel. The IDF has confirmed that over 120 civilians are being held captive in Gaza by the Hamas terrorist organization. (ANI)

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Fourth flight From Israel Carrying 274 Indians Lands In Delhi

By LokMarg 15th October 2023

The fourth flight from Israel under ‘Operation Ajay’ carrying 274 Indian passengers landed in the national capital on Sunday.

Union Minister of State General (Retd) VK Singh received the Indian passengers at the airport. He interacted with them and also gave tricolours to every Indian passenger.

MoS for Road Transport and Highways, VK Singh informed that more flights will be carried out to evacuate the Indian citizens amid the situation in Israel.

“This is the 4th flight, we are expecting more for a couple of reasons. One is the fear that something might hit them. After having been taken by surprise, Israel also gathered its things in a more orderly manner. However, the universities being closed, a general atmosphere of fear and preparation that is going on in Israel, our people fear that they should not unnecessarily become burden out there and come back home. And go back when things pan out in a better manner,” Singh told ANI.

He further urged people not to panic and follow the instructions, adding that another flight will be coming on Monday.

“There is another flight coming in tomorrow. We will keep running the flights till all the people who have registered are taken out. This operation is going very well. It is seamless, well organised… My message would be to stay where you are and follow the instructions. There is no need to panic,” he added.

The Indian passengers said that the situation in Israel remains tense and thanked the Modi government for carrying out ‘Operation Ajay’ and evacuating the Indian citizens.

An Indian student coming from Israel told ANI, “In the beginning it was horrific. Everything was uncontrollable. But now the situation is under control. The government and military are taking very strict action…Thank you, it was the best initiative (Operation Ajay) taken by the government of India…”

“In Tel Aviv the situation is normal. But in the south and north Israel, there are chances of war. That’s why we returned…The government did a very good job. They responded very fast within 2-3 days,” another Indian national named Sumit said.

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

Priya Gupta, an Indian national said, “I was in Tel Aviv University for the past two years… There was support from the Indian embassy as well… I feel thankful to the Indian government for making this arrangement. It was really quick.”

“We were in Tel Aviv and that area is very safe. Initially, for the first two days, we were afraid, but the fear was more in the border area. There was no problem in Tel Aviv, but there was little panic. There was uncertainty about what would happen?… The evacuation process was very nice and quick. We applied for it a day before yesterday and got the flight yesterday,” another Indian national Dipender Pawari said.

Meanwhile, ten citizens of Uttarakhand were also among the 274 Indian passengers who arrived in Delhi.

They were received at the airport by the representative of Uttarakhand Government and after rest and refreshments at Uttarakhand Sadan, Delhi, necessary arrangements were made for their destination.

A senior lady named Pushpa Singh said, “I am from Uttarakhand. I had gone to Israel to meet my daughter, but got stranded after the bombing started. I contacted the Embassy and they provided all the necessary help and arrangements. I thank the Indian government for this”.

‘Operation Ajay’ was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to bring back around 18,000 Indians in Israel. Registration of Indians began on Thursday.

It has been more than a week after the attack that saw more than 1,300 Israelis killed, most of them civilians, as waves of Hamas terrorists breached the border. Over 1,000 Palestinians were also killed as a result of retaliatory strikes from Israel.

The Indian embassy in Israel is providing assistance to Indian companies and has set up a helpline for Indian citizens in need of assistance.

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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Hamas Using Innocent Palestinian Families As Human Shields: Biden

By LokMarg 15th October 2023

US President Joe Biden on Sunday said that Hamas is using innocent Palestinian families as human shields in its assault on Israel, The Times of Israel reported.

He said that the majority of Palestinians have anything to do with Hamas.

Speaking at a gala dinner for the Human Rights Campaign in Washington, Biden said, “The humanitarian crisis in Gaza, innocent Palestinian families, and the vast majority have nothing to do with Hamas.”

“They’re being used as human shields,” he added.

Biden claimed that the terror attack launched by Hamas was the bloodiest day for Jews since the Holocaust and that the Hamas terror organisation had used Palestinian civilians as human shields to avoid Israeli reprisals, according to The Times of Israel.

The President said that the day before, he chatted on Zoom for an hour with relatives of Americans who are still missing, and he relates this to his own experiences, including the loss of his first wife and daughter in a vehicle accident in 1972, the report said.

“They’ve endured an agony not knowing what’s happening. It’s not the same thing, but I can tell you what it’s like. It’s one thing to lose somebody you know you’re going to lose … like I was able to do with my son,” Biden said.

Since the Israel-Hamas war broke out on October 7, the US has expressed strong solidarity with the people of Israel and has assured complete support to the nation in its fight against Hamas terrorists.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has said that Hamas is a terrorist group and its only agenda is to destroy Israel and murder Jews. He said the group is not a representative of the Palestinian people or their legitimate aspirations for the future.

“Hamas is not a representative of the Palestinian people or their legitimate aspirations for the future. Hamas is a terrorist group and its only agenda is to destroy Israel and murder Jews. And it is important that the entire world sees it as such. This is an important moment for more clarity when it comes to Hamas,” the US State Secretary said during a meeting with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal Bin Farhan recently.

Blinken further said that no country can or should be expected to tolerate what Israel has just been on the receiving end of, which is an attack that also defies description in words, in which 1300 of its people were slaughtered along with the nationals of more than 30 other countries by Hamas.

Blinken is on a visit to Israel, Jordan, Qatar, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Egypt from October 11-15 to meet with senior officials and reiterate his condemnation of the terrorist attacks in Israel, reaffirming the United States’ solidarity with the government and people of Israel, as per a release issued by the US State Department.

Earlier, Blinken said that efforts to bring humanitarian aid to Gaza have been “complicated” as terrorist group Hamas continues to use civilians as “human shields” and is reportedly blocking roads to prevent Palestinians from relocating to southern Gaza.

Terming the humanitarian situation as “urgent” Blinken added that the US is actively engaged with its partners, including Qatar to provide humanitarian aid to those who are in need. He noted that Israel is carrying out operations in Gaza as Hamas carried out terrorist attacks that killed 1,300 Israelis in the “most horrific way.”

Meanwhile, Israeli troops are mobilizing towards Gaza. Aerial patrolling is also being sent at the Gaza border.

It was recently reported that Israeli soldiers, their tanks and munitions have been deployed near the Gaza border as they prepare for a full ground offensive against Hamas.

In the pictures coming in from the Gaza border, tanks can be seen firing shells towards the Gaza Strip. Moreover, soldiers are seen loading artillery shells into howitzers. (ANI)

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