BLOG – Israel at war; Hamas hostages: Day 56
Israel-Hamas ceasefire extended for 24 hours; at least 8 hostages expected to be released on Thursday
Hostages released since the truce: Eitan Yahalomi with his mother and Emily Hand with her father
2 Israeli hostages released from Gaza
Two Israeli women were released from Hamas captivity in Gaza on Thursday afternoon, crossing the border in to Israel where they will be brought to hospital for medical examination.
Blinken: ‘Imperative’ to protect Gaza civilians
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who met Benjamin Netanyahu today, emphasised the need to protect civilians in southern Gaza, where many have fled. Blinken “stressed the imperative of accounting for humanitarian and civilian protection needs in southern Gaza before any military operations there.”
Israel summons Spanish ambassador following PM’s Gaza remarks
The Foreign Ministry was asked by Prime Minister Netanyahu to summon Spain’s ambassador to Israel after the country’s Prime Minister said he has “Serious doubts Israel is complying with international humanitarian law. What we are seeing in Gaza is not acceptable.”
Ben-Gvir calls on government to end ceasefire with Hamas following Jerusalem terror
National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir called on the government to end its ceasefire agreement with Hamas following a deadly terror attack committed by two Hamas members in Jerusalem on Thursday morning, leaving three dead and multiple wounded.
“We must end the deal with the devil and immediately intensify our attacks in order to achieve the supreme goal of the war: the complete destruction of Hamas,” Ben-Gvir tweeted.
2 soldiers wounded in West Bank car ramming attack
“A short while ago, a ramming attack was carried out at an IDF checkpoint adjacent to Moshav Beka’ot, in the Jordan Valley area. IDF soldiers at the scene shot and neutralized the assailant. Two IDF soldiers were lightly injured in the attack. The soldiers were evacuated to a hospital to receive medical treatment. Their families have been notified. The forces are searching the area for additional suspects,” IDF said.
Hamas claims it will return 3 dead bodies of hostages to Israel
Hamas official Basem Naim told the Al-Araby Al-Jadeed media that the terror group will release three bodies of hostages tonight as part of the ceasefire agreement with Israel.
Netanyahu: Israel will continue to ‘expand distribution of weapons to civilians’
Israel will continue to “expand the distribution of weapons to civilians,” Netanyahu said, adding that it’s a measure that has “proven itself time and time again in the war against murderous terrorism.”
Blinken meets Herzog in Israel: ‘Hope ceasefire will continue’
“We have seen hostages come home and be reunited with their families – and this should continue today. It also made it possible to increase humanitarian aid that reaches innocent citizens in Gaza who desperately need it. The process is producing results. It’s important, and we hope that it will continue,” U.S. Secretary of State told President Herzog on Thursday.
MP: Grey squirrels are Hamas of squirrel world
Grey squirrels have been labelled the “Hamas of the squirrel world” by a Member of Parliament.
The DUP’s Jim Shannon compared the animal to the Palestinian militant group, designated a proscribed terror group in the UK, as MPs considered ways to protect red squirrels.
Hamas was responsible for a deadly attack on Israel on October 7.
Mr Shannon, speaking during the debate on the control of the grey squirrel population, said: “The Ards Red Squirrel Group is full of fantastic volunteers who work tirelessly to protect the future of the red squirrel in my constituency of Strangford, particularly at Mount Stewart.
“The organisation is led by the National Trust Mount Stewart ranger team, and they are in constant contact with local landowners to monitor red squirrels and eradicate any greys that venture in.
“Indeed, the issue is the very presence of grey squirrels – grey squirrels are the Hamas of the squirrel world.”
Home Secretary pleased with the “more robust” police response to protests
Home Secretary James Cleverly said he was pleased with the “more robust” police response to protests.
Tory former minister Sir Desmond Swayne asked Mr Cleverly if he is doing enough to reassure Jewish people that the UK is safe.
Mr Cleverly replied in the Commons: “I have made it very, very clear to the police forces of the UK that when a minority group in this country tells us they are living in fear that we must take action.
“I’m pleased that the policing response this weekend was more robust than in previous weekends. The police are clearly listening to the conversations we are having with them and I commend them for doing so.”
Mr Cleverly said he will have a meeting with the chief rabbi to “make it absolutely clear” that the Jewish community in the UK has the “right to feel safe and this Government will take action to ensure they are safe”.
Ben Gvir tells Netanyahu to scrap truce deal
Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir is pushing for Israel to scrap its truce deal with Hamas, after the IDF says that the terror group breached the agreement by targeting IDF forces in the Strip with explosives.
Ben Gvir urged Netanyahu not to “contain” the incident, but to unleash an Israeli response and “order the IDF to resume forcefully crushing Hamas.” “We cannot wait for them to kill our fighters,” wrote Ben Gvir, a member of the security cabinet.
Hamas attacks injure several Israeli soldiers in northern Gaza
“Over the last hour, three explosive devices were detonated adjacent to IDF troops in two different locations in the northern Gaza Strip, violating the framework of the operational pause. In one of the locations, terrorists also opened fire at the troops, who responded with fire. A number of soldiers were lightly injured during the incidents. In both incidents, the troops were located in positions as per the framework of the operational pause,” IDF said in a statement.
Hamas accused Israel of “violating” the ceasefire, causing the terror organisation to attack IDF.
Aunt of 12-year-old hostage: ‘He went through horrors’
The aunt of newly released hostage from Gaza, 12-year-old Eitan Yahalomi, said the boy went “went through horrors” while in Hamas’ captivity in Gaza.
“Every time a child cried, they threatened him with a rifle to keep quiet. When he arrived in Gaza, all the Gazans, they all beat him. We are talking about a 12-year-old boy!” Deborah Cohen told BFMTV.
“The Hamas terrorists forced him to watch films of the horrors, the kind that no one wants to see, they forced him to watch them,” she added.
Mossad chief meeting CIA chief in Qatar
Mossad chief David Barnea is meeting with his American counterpart, CIA director Bill Burns, in Qatar as negotiations over extension of ceasefire with Hamas continues, Israeli media report.
Report: U.S. tells Israel to avoid further displacement of Palestinians in Gaza
“You cannot have the sort of scale of displacement that took place in the north, replicated in the south. It will be beyond disruptive, it will be beyond the capacity of any humanitarian support network. It can’t happen.” a senior U.S. officials
“We have reinforced this in very clear language with the government of Israel – very important that the conduct of the Israeli campaign when it moves to the south must be done in a way that is to a maximum extent not designed to produce significant further displacement of persons,” the official added.
UN chief: Palestinians experiencing ‘one of the darkest chapters’ in their history
The Palestinians are experiencing “one of the darkest chapters” in their history, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said.
Guterres also called for a “long-term humanitarian ceasefire, unrestricted access for lifesaving aid, the release of all hostages, the protection of civilians and an end to violations of international humanitarian law.”
Tommy Robinson charged with criminal offence after arrest at antisemitism march
Far-right figure Tommy Robinson has been charged with a criminal offence after allegedly refusing to leave a march against antisemitism at the weekend.
The Metropolitan Police said that the 40-year-old, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley Lennon, is accused of failing to comply with a direction to leave an area and will appear in court on January 22.
Robinson was arrested near the Royal Courts of Justice in London, from where the demonstration began on Sunday, after organisers said he would not be welcome at the event.
Police said on Monday: “A man has now been charged in connection with this incident.
“Stephen Lennon, of Bedfordshire, has been charged with failing to comply with a section 35 direction excluding a person from an area.
“He has been bailed to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on January 22.”
Two-day extension to humanitarian pause in Gaza is not enough, charities say
A two-day extension to the humanitarian pause in the Gaza Strip is insufficient to meet the needs of people there, charities have said as they called for an immediate ceasefire.
The Qatari government announced on Monday that Israel and Hamas had agreed to “extend the humanitarian pause” for two more days.
Further releases of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners in Israel’s jails are expected as the deal is structured to allow more exchanges for every day the pause holds.
On Monday night, ActionAid welcomed a longer pause but warned it will not be enough to help women and girls sheltering in camps in southern Gaza.
It claimed the delivery of 187 trucks of aid in recent days “utterly fails” to meet the needs of Palestinians in the territory and amounts to less than half the amount of aid allowed in before the war.
Qatar announces 48-hour extension of Hamas-Israel ceasefire
Qatar’s Foreign Ministry announced on Monday that a deal had been reached between Israel and Hamas to extend the ceasefire with 48 hours. As part of the deal, Hamas will release 20 hostages from Gaza and Israel will release 60 Palestinian prisoners.
Report: Hamas seeks to separate children from mothers in hostage deal, causing delay
Hamas is attempting to separate Israeli children and mothers held hostage in Gaza in violation of the ceasefire deal with Israel, according to a CNN report.
The report, citing Israeli officials, says the violation is what’s causing the delay of 11 hostages expected to be released on Monday.
Netanyahu: Hostage negotiations with Hamas ‘continuing’
“Negotiations on the list of those slated to be released under the framework of the hostages release outline are continuing. We are aware of the tension in the families and will release additional information when possible. We request to refrain from disseminating rumours and unreliable information,” the Prime Minister’s Office said in a statement on Monday.
84-year-old released Israeli hostage still in critical condition
84-year-old Elma Avraham, who was released on Sunday after 51 days of captivity in Gaza, remains in critical condition, according to the hospital director.
Meanwhile, her daughter, Tali Amano lashed out at the Red Cross for medically neglecting her: “My mother didn’t deserve to return like this. My mother was medically neglected. The Red Cross refused to bring her her medications. She arrived with a heart rate of 40 bpm and a body temperature of 28 degrees Celsius, on the verge of losing consciousness and injured all over. She was abandoned twice — once on October 7, and a second time by all the organisations that should have saved her. I hope they haven’t managed to defeat her.”
President Isaac Herzog and German President visit Kibbutz Be’eri
“I’m proud and let me express my gratitude that we were invited by the President and his wife to Israel, and we are moved that he brought us here to Be’eri. In Germany we were able to listen to the news on 7 October. We were watching the TV, we saw the pictures – and it was easy to imagine what has happened here. But to be here, right in this place, is different. You know the ruins behind us, they are the silent witness of what had happened here. And it’s not easy to find the words to describe what we heard from those who have the knowledge and who were witnessing the deeds, the murders, the killings, the rapes by Hamas here on 7 October,” President Frank-Walter Steinmeier said.
Together with the President of Germany, Frank-Walter Steinmeier and his wife Elke, we visited Kibbutz Be’eri, which became a symbol of the terrible and unimaginable destruction of the brutal massacre by Hamas. In a tour amidst the remains of houses, the ruins of the art gallery… pic.twitter.com/6JkUPIMw2k
— יצחק הרצוג Isaac Herzog (@Isaac_Herzog) November 27, 2023
“We are here in the Kibbutz and the Kibbutz movement is in a certain way linked to Europe and especially to Germany. This Kibbutz in Be’eri was founded by Jews from Germany, from Hungary, and from the former Czechoslovakia – and so therefore, the Kibbutzim are part of the history and they’re representing the soul of Israel. And being here means that we are able to witness how much this soul of Israel was touched and destroyed by the attack of Hamas on Israeli people and the Kibbutz of Be’eri and the neighbouring Kibbutzim close by.”
“I think what we have to do is to think about the next months, next years, when people are returning to the Kibbutz of Be’eri, and I think they need a sort of anchor. And therefore, the President and I we were deciding to take the patronage for the rebuilding of the art gallery, and the convening house in which the people in peaceful times were gathering every day. So therefore, I’m very grateful that the State Secretary of our Ministry for Construction is with us and that the Ministry is cooperating with their counterparts here in Israel. I’m grateful with regard to the German Parliament which has announced in the next year to give us 7 million Euros for the rebuilding of the art gallery and the convening centre and in addition to that, I hope that we create conditions that young people, craftsmen from Germany and from Israel, are meeting here to cooperate very closely in this rebuilding process.”
Two arrests at march against antisemitism – neither involved Jewish participants
There were two arrests during Sunday’s march against antisemitism, the Metropolitan Police said.
The force said in a statement: “The March Against Antisemitism has concluded.
“As the crowds left along Whitehall a man was heard to make antisemitic comments. He was arrested on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence.
“In total there were two arrests during today’s operation.”
The arrests were of former EDL leader Tommy Robinson and a man who was yelling antisemitic abuse at the crowd.
Tommy Robinson ‘pepper-sprayed by police’
English Defence League founder Tommy Robinson was pepper-sprayed by police as they arrested him at an antisemitism march in London.
Robinson, 40, was detained by dozens of officers near the Royal Courts of Justice, from where the demonstration began on Sunday, after march organisers said he would not be welcome.
Robinson, real name Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, who was still in police custody on Sunday evening, uploaded a video on social media of his partially closed eyes after officers used the synthetic pepper spray.
A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: “The arrested man resisted as officers attempted to put him in handcuffs. He was warned repeatedly before PAVA spray was used.
“Following its use, officers gained control of him and handcuffs were applied.”
NATO calls for four-day pause to be extended
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has called for more aid and the release of further hostages. “I call for an extension of the pause. This would allow for much-needed relief to the people of Gaza and the release of more hostages.”
Netanyahu shows Elon Musk Israeli kibbutz Kfar Aza
(Times of Israel) Benjamin Netanyahu has accompanied Elon Musk on a tour of an Israeli kibbutz ravaged by Hamas.
The tour of Kfar Aza shows Musk the horrors of the Hamas attack, which saw terrorists storm the community and 20 or so others, butchering and burning entire families and kidnapping scores of civilians to Gaza.
Musk hears briefings from a local council leader and from a representative of the IDF Spokesperson’s Unit about the massacres in the kibbutz.
Irish minister: Decision to summon the Irish ambassador an ‘overreaction’
Ireland’s further education minister, Simon Harris, has said Israel’s decision to summon the Irish ambassador for a reprimand over comments made by the country’s premier was “a bit of an overreaction”.
FA’s decision not to light Wembley arch branded ‘antisemitic’ by Tory MP
The Football Association’s decision not to light the Wembley arch in honour of those who died in the Hamas attacks on Israel has been branded “antisemitic” by a Conservative former minister.
Sir Michael Ellis said the FA “seem to regret every death and injustice, apart from the death of Jews”.
Last month, the FA faced criticism when it chose not to light the arch in the colours of the Israeli flag after the attacks on its citizens by Hamas militants on October 7.
Following this, chief executive Mark Bullingham said his organisation would review its approach to lighting the arch.
The PA news agency understands it is now unlikely to be lit in future except for matters directly related to Wembley’s purpose as a sport and entertainment venue.
Hamas makes ‘additional demands’ over hostage exchange
BBC reports an Israeli source saying Hamas has made ‘additional demands’
to the delayed hostage deal… “although it’s not clear what those demands are.”
Hamas originally said the deal was supposed to go into effect this morning at 10, but late last night Israel noted that it was not going to begin until at least tomorrow. Qatar has promised an update on the situation imminently.
Cameron: ‘I’ve seen and heard things I will never forget’
Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron said he had “heard and seen things I will never forget” on his visit to Kibbutz Be’eri, one of the communities targeted by Hamas on October 7.
Lord Cameron visited the settlement with his Israeli counterpart Eli Cohen.
“I wanted to come here to see it for myself; I have heard and seen things I will never forget,” Lord Cameron said.
“Today is also a day where we hope to see progress on the humanitarian pause.
“This is a crucial opportunity to get hostages out and aid in to Gaza, to help Palestinian civilians who are facing a growing humanitarian crisis.”
Hezbollah chief meets with Iranian FM in Beirut
“If this ceasefire starts tomorrow, if it does not continue… the conditions in the region will not remain the same as before the ceasefire and the scope of the war will expand,” Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian said.
David Cameron visits Kibbutz Be’eri
???? NEW: David Cameron shown site of Hamas atrocities on first visit to Israel as Deal to free Hamas hostages delayed until Friday.
Follow our liveblog here: https://t.co/tgQi4hEWXC pic.twitter.com/Xy9FncOAI9
— The Telegraph (@Telegraph) November 23, 2023
Israeli army arrests al-Shifa Hospital director
The IDF arrested the director of Gaza’s al-Shifa Hospital on Wednesday and brought him for interrogation, the hospital and the IDF confirmed.
His arrest follows IDF revelations of more evidence of a vast Hamas tunnel network under the hospital.
Gaza hostages expected to be released on Friday following last minute delay
The deal that would see 50 women and children released from Hamas captivity in return for a four-day ceasefire has been delayed until Friday, Israel said.
Qatar’s Foreign Ministry said it would make an announcement in the coming hours about the final time set for the deal to be implemented.
“There is no cause for concern. The delay does not stem from a breakdown in talks, but rather from the need to resolve administrative matters, which are being addressed,” an Israeli source told Haaretz.
The U.S. also said the deal is on track: “We are hopeful that implementation will begin on Friday morning,” U.S. National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson said.
Israeli army strikes 300 Hamas targets in Gaza in past 24 hours
“IDF troops are striking terror targets in the area of Jabalya. With the direction of IDF troops, an IDF UAV targeted armed terrorists who approached IDF troops and struck an observation post that posed a threat to IDF troops using precise munitions. Furthermore, an IDF UAV and tanks eliminated a number of terrorist cells in the northern Gaza Strip, with the direction of IDF ground troops,” the IDF said.
“IDF soldiers also located a tunnel shaft inside a mosque. Additionally, in an agricultural area in Beit Hanoun, IDF troops located and struck a terror tunnel shaft. IDF soldiers also located numerous weapons and a terror tunnel shaft inside a civilian residence in the area. In total, during IDF activities in the Gaza Strip over the last day, aerial strikes were carried out on over 300 Hamas terror targets, including military command centres, underground terror tunnels, weapon storage facilities, weapon manufacturing sites, and anti-tank missile launch posts,” it added.
Report: Mossad chief arrives in Qatar to finalise hostage deal
Mossad Chief David Barnea arrived in Qatar on Wednesday to finalise the deal with Hamas and to receive the final list of hostages due to be released, according to Israeli media.
IDF says it destroyed 400 Hamas tunnels in Gaza
“Until now, IDF soldiers have exposed and destroyed approximately 400 terror tunnel shafts. The Yahalom special forces unit of the Combat Engineering Corps has played a significant role in uncovering and destroying these shafts using various methods. Hamas has embedded its network of terrorist tunnels below population centers across the Gaza Strip. Many of the shafts leading to its tunnel network are located within civilian hospitals, schools and homes,” the IDF said.
Sunak: We are clear about strengthening the Palestinian Authority
Rishi Sunak at PMQs: “Our position on the Middle East peace process more broadly is clear. We do support a negotiated settlement leading to a safe and secure Israel living alongside a viable and sovereign Palestinian state.
“I have spoken to (Palestinian) President (Mahmoud) Abbas and met with him to discuss this issue and we are clear about strengthening the Palestinian Authority and reinvigorating efforts to find a two-state solution, and our longstanding position is that we would recognise the state of Palestine when it best serves the interests of peace.”
Sunak welcomes humanitarian pause
Rishi Sunak welcomed the humanitarian paused agreed in the Israel-Hamas conflict as a “crucial step towards ending the nightmare” for the families of those taken hostage.
The Prime Minister told the Commons: “We welcome the agreement reached overnight for a humanitarian pause in Gaza.
“This is something that we have consistently pushed for and is a crucial steps towards ending the nightmare for families of those taken hostage in Hamas’s terror attack and also addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.”
UN: Israel-Hamas deal ‘important step in the right direction’
“This pause must be used to its fullest extent to facilitate the release of hostages and alleviate the dire needs of Palestinians in Gaza. This is an important step in the right direction, but much more needs to be done,” UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Tor Wennesland said.
Truce to start at ‘8am UK time tomorrow’
Terror group Hamas says the truce will start at 10am Israel time tomorrow as sides gear up for hostage releases. Israel has listed 300 Palestinian prisoners eligible to be freed.
Israel releases list of Palestinian prisoners to be exchanged with hostages
Israel’s Justice Ministry released a list of 300 Palestinian prisoners, of whom 150 are to be released in a hostage deal between Israel and Hamas. The youngest on the list are 14 years old and the oldest is a female aged 59. Their crimes range from attempted manslaughter to throwing molotov cocktails and attacking police officers.
Cameron welcomes Israel-Hamas truce which paves way for hostage release
Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron said the truce between Israel and Hamas was a “crucial step” towards releasing hostages and providing humanitarian relief in Gaza.
Hamas will release dozens of hostages in exchange for Palestinians in Israeli prisons.
The Israeli government said the deal will see Hamas free 50 of the roughly 240 hostages held in the Gaza Strip over a four-day period.
The lull will be extended by an additional day for every 10 hostages released.
Qatar, which helped broker the agreement, said it also includes “the release of a number of Palestinian women and children detained in Israeli prisons, the number of those released will be increased in later stages of implementing the agreement”.
Lord Cameron said: “This agreement is a crucial step towards providing relief to the families of the hostages and addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Rocket sirens sound in southern, northern Israel
Rocket sirens went off in Gaza border communities as well as Rosh Hanikra in northern Israel near the Lebanese border.
David Cameron: Israel-Hamas deal a ‘crucial step’
“This agreement to release some hostages held in Gaza is a crucial step. This pause in the fighting is an opportunity to ensure much greater volumes of food, fuel and other life-saving aid can reach Gaza. I urge all parties to ensure the agreement is delivered in full. We want to see all hostages released immediately and families affected by the horrors of the October 7th terror attack reunited,” Cameron said.
Israel approves hostage deal with Hamas; 50 women and children to be released
The Israeli government approved a deal with Hamas late Tuesday night which will see the release of 50 children and women held hostage in Gaza in return for a four-day ceasefire.
The deal was announced after 8 hours of marathon meetings in Israel’s war cabinet, security cabinet and government.
The deal also includes the release of some 150 Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails, as well as an increase in humanitarian aid and fuel to Gaza. Israel’s Justice Ministry published a list on Wednesday morning with the names of 300 Palestinian prisoners who are candidates for release.
Editor’s opinion on the Guardian’s extreme content
At the end of a week when the Guardian was forced to remove a letter written by Osama bin Laden from its website, our editor has found other questionable content on the news platform.
The late al-Qaeda chief’s epistle had been seized on to make antisemitic comments on social media about the Israel-Hamas conflict. Read Richard Ferrer’s comment piece here
UNRWA: 400 people killed in the West Bank this year
UN agency is holding a press conference in Geneva on the situation in the ground in Gaza and the West Bank. It calls for an ‘urgent ceasefire, to ‘retain what is left of our humanity’.
UNRWA insists it does not allow its aid to be diverted
UNRWA is holding a news conference on Gaza. It insists it does not allow its international aid to be diverted [by Hamas]. It also says it is running out of fuel in Gaza and claims there is a “deliberate attempt to strangle” its work.
Starmer says he wants Labour to be ‘as united as we can’ after Gaza vote split
Sir Keir Starmer said he wanted Labour to be “as united as we can” following the loss of 10 shadow ministers and parliamentary aides in a major rebellion over his stance on the war in Gaza.
Jess Phillips, the shadow minister for domestic violence, was among the frontbenchers who either quit or were sacked so they could back a ceasefire in a Commons vote.
A total of 56 Labour MPs defied their party leader’s position of advocating for pauses in fighting so they could support a cessation.
But Sir Keir claimed he was more focused on the plight of people in Gaza than managing the splits within Labour.
Biden: War will continue until Hamas no longer endangers Israelis
Times of Israel: US President Joe Biden has again firmly aligned himself with Jerusalem’s position on the duration of the war against Hamas, saying Israel can go on until it achieves its goal of eliminating the Gaza-ruling terror group’s ability to endanger Israelis.
Biden said Israel’s operation in Gaza, following the shock Hamas massacres in southern Israeli communities last month, “will end when Hamas no longer maintains the capacity to murder, abuse, and do horrific things to the Israelis.” Biden added that Israel’s military has “an obligation to use as much caution as they can in going after their targets.”
‘Ceasefire now’ protesters removed from Commons public gallery
Protesters have been removed from the House of Commons after holding up “Ceasefire now” signs during the King’s Speech debate.
A group of five or six people stood up and held aloft the messages as shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper turned to the Israel-Hamas conflict in her speech.
Doorkeepers approached the group and removed them from the public gallery.
Extinction Rebellion (XR) claimed responsibility for the protest.
XR spokeswoman Rosie Merrifield said: “Parliament must today demand that the Government calls for an immediate ceasefire and commits to back an internationally-arbitrated resolution which ensures the absolute protection of human rights for all, and lasting safety and peace for the Palestinian and Israeli people.”
Photos and videos of hostages found inside Gaza hospital
Times of Israel: The IDF tells a BBC reporter, one of the two foreign journalists first taken into Shifa hospital in Gaza, overnight Wednesday-Thursday, that among the items discovered by troops was a laptop that contained photos and videos of hostages, taken after their abduction to Gaza.
Reporter Lucy Williamson is also told, but not shown, that the laptop also contains recently released footage, shared by Israeli police, of their interrogations of Hamas terrorists arrested after the October 7 assault.
Entering an MRI room at the hospital, the BBC’s Williamson reports that the IDF says it has recovered “more than a dozen Kalashnikovs, grenades, personal protective equipment, some of it with the Hamas military brigade insignia on it — you can see some of them here, hidden under these bags of medical supplies.”
IDF to BBC: We found photos and videos of hostages on laptop in Al Shifa hospital
BBC goes inside Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza with the Israeli army https://t.co/BJIYzgC9cj
— BBC News (World) (@BBCWorld) November 16, 2023
51 Israeli soldiers killed in Gaza since ground invasion
The Israeli army announced the death of 22-year-old Shlomo Ben Nun from Modi’in on Thursday. Nun served as a deputy company commander in the 202nd Paratrooper Battalion.
Sir Mark Rowley: Age-old principle of police impartiality ‘so apposite today’
Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley said the centuries-old principle of police remaining constantly impartial and operating “in complete independence of policy” is “so apposite today”.
Referring to the 19th-century Peelian principles, he told an Institute for Government event: “The fifth one I think captures the issues of the day, to seek and preserve public favour not by pandering to public opinion but by constantly demonstrating absolutely impartial service to the law, in complete independence of policy, and without regard to the justice or injustice of the substance of individual laws.
“It’s interesting that that could have been written down 200 years ago and be so apposite today.”
The IfG event was rescheduled after a last-minute meeting in Downing Street between Sir Mark and the Prime Minister over the response to a pro-Palestinian protest which clashed with the original date.
Yousaf ‘beyond angry’ with MPs who refused to back ceasefire in Gaza
Scotland’s First Minister Humza Yousaf has said he is “beyond angry” with MPs who refused to back an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and warned they were “on the wrong side of history”.
SNP leader Mr Yousaf, who was recently reunited with his Palestinian in-laws after they returned to the UK from the warzone in Gaza, said the vote was a chance to “put humanity before politics”.
‘Majority of people on marches’ would have opposed protesters climbing war memorial
James Cleverly said the majority of British people – and “the vast majority of people in those marches” – would have opposed the pro-Palestinian protesters climbing on a war memorial.
The Home Secretary told ITV’s Good Morning Britain: “We are looking at what additional powers the police may need.
“These – and the police have said this – are deeply disrespectful actions. The war memorials recognise the sacrifice people have made for our freedom, and abusing, desecrating, behaviour like this is deeply, deeply offensive.
“I will look at what further measures need to be taken so the police can take action on this.
“I have no doubt the vast majority of the British population, and indeed, I suspect, the vast majority of people in those marches, would find that behaviour completely unacceptable and they would want us to give the police the power to take action.
“I’ll be looking at that as part of my new job.”
Israeli jet bombs Gaza home of exiled Hamas leader
Times of Israel: An Israeli fighter jet struck the home of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh — who lives in Qatar — in the Gaza Strip overnight.
The Israel Defense Forces says the home was “used as terror infrastructure and, among other things, as a meeting place for the senior officials of the organization.”
The military releases footage showing the airstrike.
Hamas has previously said the IDF hit two homes belonging to Haniyeh and his family, but this is the first strike confirmed by the military.
Frontbenchers who broke ranks still want to see Starmer become PM
Shadow defence secretary John Healey said Labour frontbenchers who broke ranks to call for a ceasefire in Gaza still want to see Sir Keir Starmer become prime minister.
Mr Healey told TimesRadio: “I regret losing any of our frontbenchers. I know they all wrestled with this difficult decision and I know they all have said that they 100% want Keir Starmer in Downing Street and will work together to secure a Labour government.
“This is a difficult issue that we faced last night but Keir Starmer was right, when it comes to a parliamentary vote, to be firm to require collective responsibility and discipline.
“He was not going to change his principal position for the sake of internal party management, which we’ve seen time and time again with Rishi Sunak trying to control his own Conservative MPs.”
Laws could be changed to give police more powers over protesters
Home Secretary James Cleverly suggested laws could be changed to give police powers to prevent protesters clambering over war memorials.
Pro-Palestinian protesters climbed on the Royal Artillery Memorial at Hyde Park Corner in central London after a demonstration outside the Houses of Parliament on Wednesday evening.
Mr Cleverly, who served in the Royal Artillery, told LBC Radio: “We’re going to look at this.
“We are absolutely determined to look at this. (Veterans minister) Johnny Mercer, a former gunner officer – the Royal Artillery was my regiment as well, that’s my regimental memorial.”
The Home Secretary added: “I’m not going to let my personal feelings cloud my judgment on this but it is clearly wrong, and the police have said that they recognise it is deeply disrespectful for people to climb on war memorials.
“We have made a commitment to review the legislation around public order policing.
“If the police – and I’m going to look at this in real detail – if the police need more powers to make sure that really deeply distasteful, provocative things like that do not happen for the public good, because of course this is about making sure it doesn’t stimulate violent action or any kind of violent responses, but if we need to take action specifically to give police more powers, we are looking at doing that.”
Cleverly declined to call the pro-Palestinian protests “hate marches”
Home Secretary James Cleverly declined to call the pro-Palestinian protests “hate marches” as his predecessor Suella Braverman did.
Mr Cleverly said “not everybody involved in these marches are motivated by antisemitism” and that the Government supports lawful protest.
He told ITV’s Good Morning Britain: “I’ve met with the senior leadership of the Metropolitan Police; also had a meeting with the Mayor of London, who of course is the politician with direct responsibility for the Metropolitan Police force.
“We support peaceful, lawful protest. Of course we do.
“But the simple truth of the matter is we have seen numerous examples of deeply antisemitic comments.
“Now, not everybody involved in these marches are motivated by antisemitism, but the sad truth of the matter is some of the people on these marches are.
“That is a criminal offence, and we always expect the police to take action when they see criminality.”
Israeli actor Dvir Bendak to host musical event in London to raise money for Kibbutz Be’eri
Israeli actor Dvir Bendak will host an evening to raise money for Kibbutz Be’eri, featuring Israeli music and the remarkable talents of Israeli artists.
The event is on 5 December 2023 at 8:30pm at a London location.
UK considering ‘air and maritime aid options’ via bases in Cyprus
The UK is considering using “air and maritime options” to get more aid into Gaza, including through its bases in Cyprus, Andrew Mitchell has said.
Updating the Commons on the Government’s response to the situation in the Middle East, the Foreign Office minister said: “We also are urging the Israeli government to increase humanitarian access including by Rafah and by opening up the Kerem Shalom crossing.
“At this point we assess that land presently offers the most viable and safe way to get humanitarian aid into Gaza in the quantities needed, but we are also considering air and maritime options, including through our bases in Cyprus.”
Mr Mitchell also told MPs more British nationals had escaped Gaza via the Rafah crossing into Egypt, but did not give exact numbers.
He said: “Since I spoke to the House last week more British nationals and their families have left, and we will continue to offer all the support we can to those British nationals still in Gaza so that they too can cross into Egypt.”
‘No good reason’ to not proscribe Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps
Conservative former cabinet minister Liam Fox said the Government has not provided a “good reason” for why it has not proscribed Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terror organisation.
Dr Fox told the Commons the “Hamas mindset” is “funded and supported by Iran”, adding: “When will the Government take further measures?
“We have asked across this House when the IRGC, for example, will be proscribed, and we’ve never been given a good reason why not. What is the answer?”
Foreign Office minister Andrew Mitchell said: “We don’t carry on a running commentary on issues like proscription. But the House and the Foreign Secretary have heard what he said.”
Labour former minister Ben Bradshaw challenged the minister over whether the International Criminal Court (ICC) has jurisdiction over all parties’ conduct in Gaza.
Mr Mitchell said: “It is not for ministers to seek to state where the ICC has jurisdiction. It is for the chief prosecutor.”
Government should consider urging the UN to deploy peacekeepers to West Bank
The Government should consider urging the UN to deploy peacekeepers to prevent violence in the West Bank, a Conservative former cabinet minister suggested.
Kit Malthouse (North West Hampshire) drew the attention of ministers to the “unfolding tragedy taking place in the West Bank”, telling MPs there were “getting on for 200 Palestinians who have been killed by settlers and the IDF” in the region.
Mr Malthouse added: “He rightly in his statement urged Israel provide protection from them. If the state of Israel declines to do so and the killings continue, would he consider the intervention perhaps of the UN peacekeeping force to keep the peace in that part of the world?”
Foreign Office minister Andrew Mitchell responded: “We have condemned the settler violence without qualification, and in terms of the work of the United Nations, where there are many opportunities I hope in the future, we will be neglecting none of them.”
Elsewhere in the debate, Labour MP Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi (Slough) appeared to suggest that humanitarian pauses alone would not address a “grave humanitarian crisis now unfolding in Gaza”, describing them as only a “first step”.
Mr Dhesi, who serves as a shadow Treasury minister, said: “The damage to water pipelines, sewage pipes, hospitals, schools and other infrastructure needs to be urgently rebuilt. That, I think, will require a much longer negotiated ceasefire from both sides and a release of all hostages.”
Powers available to police to deal with protests will be kept under review
As Rishi Sunak met Scotland Yard chief Sir Mark Rowley, the Prime Minister’s official spokesman said the powers available to police to deal with protests would be kept under review to see if they need to be beefed up.
“The public rightly expect that the full force of the law is used to bear down on some of the shocking scenes of criminality we saw over the weekend, whether it was EDL protesters or those seemingly supporting Hamas, a proscribed terrorist organisation,” the spokesman said.
He added: “The Prime Minister continues to be grateful to police officers, a number of whom were injured over the weekend.
“They have an extremely difficult job to do and he was grateful to them for doing it.”
The spokesman said the Prime Minister would be speaking to Sir Mark to “get a shared understanding of how to approach these protests should there be significant protests in the future”.
“It’s important that police have the powers they need to carry out their role and we will continue to keep that under review.”
IDF announces death in captivity of Noa Marciano, soldier shown in Hamas video
Military says two troops killed, raising death toll in Gaza ground op to 46.
Police say a further four people have been charged over protests
The Metropolitan Police said a further four people have been charged over violent scenes involving far-right and pro-Palestine protesters at the weekend.
Mark Austen, 58, of Turnford, Hertfordshire, has been charged with three counts of assault of an emergency worker and section 4 of the Public Order Act and was due to appear at Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court on Monday.
Ryan Ramadan, 25, of no fixed address, was charged with possession of a knife and also appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Monday.
Raheem Ahmed, 21, of Nottingham, has been charged with assault of an emergency worker and possession of a knife. He is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on November 28.
Grigore Flutar, 41, of Clapham, south London, has been charged with section 4 of the Public Order Act and racially aggravated assault. He will appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on December 5.
‘Our bodies hurt from crying’ say family of Irish-Israeli girl feared kidnapped
The Irish father of an eight-year-old Israeli girl who is feared taken to Gaza has asked for a renewed focus on the Israeli hostages taken to Gaza.
Emily Hand was originally feared dead after the Hamas assault on Kibbutz Be’eri in Israel on October 7.
However, the eight-year-old’s family have been informed she may still be alive and being held hostage by Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
On October 7, Hamas launched thousands of rockets and militants killed 1,400 Israeli civilians, as well as taking an estimated 200 other citizens hostage to Gaza.
Israel has responded with missile attacks and a blockade on the war-torn enclave, as part of an operation to target Hamas’s leaders and operations.
More than 11,000 people have been killed in the region and aid agencies have warned that low supplies of food, water and medicines are creating an unprecedented humanitarian crisis.
Thomas Hand, originally from Dun Laoghaire in Dublin, described his daughter Emily as a “fun-loving child” who loves music, dancing and singing.
“Even my dog misses her. She used to use him as a pillow, stick her head down and fall asleep. Funny, the things that you miss, and now she’s kidnapped in Gaza along with many others.
“I want to hug Emily again, love her, fix her.”
He was speaking in Dublin on Monday after travelling there along with his older daughter Natali in order “to drum up as much sympathy and support” as possible.
Sunak riles the Tory right over sacking of Suella Braverman
Rishi Sunak has stoked anger on the right of the Conservative Party by sacking Suella Braverman, as one of his MPs formally called for his departure as the Prime Minister.
Deputy Tory chairman Lee Anderson was among hardline MPs at a meeting in Parliament on Monday where concerns were shared about Mrs Braverman’s ousting as home secretary.
Former minister Dame Andrea Jenkyns submitted a furious letter of no confidence in Mr Sunak to the Tory backbench 1922 Committee during his Cabinet reshuffle.
She argued that Mrs Braverman “was the only person in the cabinet with the balls to speak the truth of the appalling state of our streets and a two-tier policing system that leaves Jewish community in fear for their lives and safety”.
IDF says it has killed Hamas brigade’s anti-tank commander
Times Of Israel: The Israel Defense Forces says it has killed a number of Hamas commanders in airstrikes in the Gaza Strip over the past day. Among the senior officers is Yakub Ashur, the commander of Hamas’s anti-tank guided missile array in the terror group’s Khan Younis Brigade, the IDF says. The IDF says Ashur, “as part of his role, took part in leading and directing offences against IDF forces.”
Netanyahu: Hezbollah ‘playing with fire’
“There are those who think they can expand their attacks against our troops and against civilians. This is playing with fire. Fire will be met with much stronger fire. They must not try us, because we have displayed only a little part of our power. We will harm those who harm us,” Netanyahu said.
IDF releases video of terrorists firing from within hospital compound in Gaza
Israeli army releases video of what it says is evidence of a terrorist squad embedded in the area of the 'Al-Quds' Hospital in Gaza, firing from the hospital entrance at IDF soldiers.
Statement:
“During operations carried out by the 188th Brigade, RPG fire and small arms fire… pic.twitter.com/q02AoSUVJJ
— Jotam Confino (@mrconfino) November 13, 2023
Gaza and China top agenda for Foreign Secretary Cameron
David Cameron will face a more complex and unstable world on his return to Government as Foreign Secretary, with crises across the globe demanding his attention.
Most pressing is the Israel-Hamas conflict, which could still escalate into a regional conflagration.
As recently as Thursday, James Cleverly was in Saudi Arabia discussing efforts to prevent escalation with Middle Eastern foreign ministers, and Lord Cameron will face an immediate task of carrying on that diplomatic effort.
The ongoing war in Ukraine will continue to make demands on the new Foreign Secretary’s attention, with Ukrainian President Zelensky warning of a “winter onslaught” from Russia that will require further support from the West.
As prime minister, Lord Cameron deployed UK troops to train Ukrainian forces in 2015 following Russia’s seizure of Crimea, which he described as a “flagrant breach of international law”.
In the longer term, it is the UK’s relationship with China that is likely to be the most challenging of Lord Cameron’s tasks.
Hamas demands ‘complete exchange’ of Palestinian prisoners, hostages
“Our position on the prisoner file has been clear from the start, and it is a complete exchange of prisoners,” Hamas official Osama Hamdan said.
Micheal Martin to travel to Israel and Palestine this week
Ireland’s deputy premier has announced he is to travel to Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory later this week.
Micheal Martin, who is also foreign affairs minister, will also travel to Egypt as part of the visit.
Speaking at the Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels this morning, Mr Martin said: “The situation in the region is at a critical point, with a catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza and continued risks of regional escalation.
“I have been engaging intensively with regional counterparts since October 7 and will return to the region this week, following my visit in September, to continue that engagement.
“In Egypt, I hope to meet with foreign minister Sameh Shoukry and secretary general of the Arab League, Aboul Gheit.
“In Israel, I plan to see foreign minister Eli Cohen and hope also to visit the south of Israel and the communities that were devastated by the October 7 attacks.”
EU: Humanitarian pauses in Gaza have to be ‘meaningful’
“It is urgent to define and respect humanitarian pauses. These pauses have to be meaningful. Fuel needs to get in. As you could see, more than half of the hospitals in the Gaza Strip stopped working, primarily because of lack of fuel, and fuel is desperately needed,” said Janez Lenarcic, European Commissioner for Crisis Management.
Israeli army targets Hamas infrastructure at university and mosque in Gaza
“IDF troops are continuing to conduct raids on the outskirts of the Al-Shati Camp, targeting terrorist infrastructure located in central governmental institutions in the heart of the civilian population, including schools, universities, mosques, and residences of terrorists. Hamas’ terror infrastructure was deliberately located inside civilian structures, including in the “Al-Quds” University, and inside the “Abu Bakr” mosque,” the IDF said.
“The troops uncovered a section of the mosque which housed a large number of explosive devices and flammable materials. During the activity, the troops seized dozens of weapons, military equipment, and operational plans belonging to the Hamas terrorist organisation,” it added.
Police officer poses with child dressed as a Hamas terrorist
Defies belief: A female police officer poses with a child dressed as a Hamas terrorist during the ‘pro-Palestine’ demo in London on Saturday. Jewish News is looking into the picture’s authenticity and speaking to police.
Michael Gove thanks police after he was mobbed by pro-Palestinian protesters
Michael Gove has thanked police for getting him “home safely” after he was mobbed by pro-Palestinian demonstrators at Victoria station.
The senior Cabinet minister said he was “very grateful for so many kind messages” after footage was posted on social media showing him flanked by a large police contingent trying to keep dozens of demonstrators away, as he passed through the London railway station.
It came on a day fraught with tensions over a rally and counter-protests held on Armistice Day.
The flag-waving protesters crowding him were heard chanting “shame on you” as officers shouted at them to “get back”.
In another clip, the Levelling Up Secretary was seen walking down a London street as protesters followed him chanting the same slogan.
Sunak pledges ‘hard-headed’ foreign policy
Rishi Sunak will outline his vision for a “hard-headed” foreign policy approach that defends UK values from adversaries at a time for “moral clarity” as war rages in the Middle East and Ukraine.
The Prime Minister will speak of the UK’s desire to “shape the world” as he highlights his record on forging international partnerships on defence, trade and migration.
Mr Sunak, who has claimed he represents change from his Tory predecessors, will pledge to leave behind “past dogmas, assumptions and structures” in dealing with other nations, Downing Street said.
In a major foreign policy speech on Monday, he will tell international dignitaries and business leaders: “In these dangerous times, we’re not just defending a better vision of the future against those who would destroy it, we’re marshalling our expertise, our people and our alliances to bring that future into being.
Lib Dems call for ceasefire
The Liberal Democrats have come out in favour of a ceasefire in the Israel-Gaza war, adding to pressure on Sir Keir Starmer over his stance on the crisis.
Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey said on Sunday that only an “immediate bilateral ceasefire” will resolve the conflict in the Middle East.
It comes ahead of an attempt by the SNP to use an amendment to the King’s Speech to force a Commons vote on Wednesday demanding a Gaza ceasefire.
Sir Ed, who had previously called for a temporary humanitarian ceasefire, said that “it is increasingly clear that a military solution to eliminate Hamas is not possible”.
He added: “Liberal Democrats are urging the UK Government to call for an immediate bilateral ceasefire, as the best option to achieve a political solution.
IDF names two more troops killed in fighting – total now 44
Maj. Isachar Natan, 28, from Kiryat Malachi, left, and Staff Sgt. Itay Shoham, 21, from Rosh Ha’ayin. Both, members of the Commando Brigade, were killed in fighting in the Gaza Strip on November 12, 2023 (courtesy)
Police appeal after incidents at London train stations on Armistice Day
Appeals have been launched to identify five people after footage circulated online of incidents at London train stations on Armistice Day.
British Transport Police released images of four men they want to speak to after what the force say was a racially aggravated altercation at Waterloo station on Saturday.
The force also released an image of a woman they want to speak to after an alleged antisemitic hate crime at Victoria station.
The 90-second video posted online of the incident at Waterloo station shows men swearing repeatedly, including shouting “terrorist f******” and “we were born in this country”.
A separate video was shared on social media which shows an argument before one person appears to shout “death to all the Jews” at Victoria station.
It comes after dozens of counter-protesters were arrested as hundreds of thousands of people took part in a pro-Palestinian demonstration in central London on Saturday.
Anyone who recognises the woman is asked to contact British Transport Police by texting 61016 or by calling 0800 40 50 40, quoting reference 217 of November 12.
And anyone who can identify the group of men is asked to contact British Transport Police by texting 61016 or by calling 0800 40 50 40, quoting reference number 217 of November 12.
You can submit information anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Scottish Labour MPs urged to back Gaza ceasefire
Scotland’s First Minister has called on Scottish Labour’s two MPs to back his party’s push for a ceasefire in Gaza.
An SNP amendment to the King’s Speech – which calls for an end to hostilities – is expected to come to a vote in the House of Commons this week, with the party urging other MPs to support it.
In a letter to Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar, Humza Yousaf asked him to confirm his MPs will vote for the motion.
Mr Sarwar has broken with the UK Labour leadership on the issue, despite his initial reticence to confirm he supports calling for a ceasefire.
Sir Keir Starmer has come under increasing pressure to back the calls, both from inside and outside Labour.
Six Israelis wounded in missile attack from Lebanon
Six civilians have been wounded, one critically, in anti-tank missile attack from Lebanon. Some of the victims are Electric Corporation employees working to repair power lines damaged in previous attacks by Hezbollah.
Hezbollah claims responsibility for anti-tank missile attack
The Lebanese Hezbollah terror group claims responsibility for the anti-tank guided missile attack targeting civilians near the northern community of Dovev on the Lebanon border.
In a statement, the terror group falsely claims it hit soldiers installing surveillance equipment.
The Israel Electric Corporation said its employees were hit in the attack while repairing power lines.
Ireland fully supports International Criminal Court’s Gaza probe, Martin says
The Irish deputy premier has said Ireland is a “consistent and strong supporter” of the International Criminal Court (ICC) in investigating the Israel-Hamas conflict.
It comes after the opposition Sinn Fein party announced its intention to bring a motion to the Dublin parliament seeking a referral of Israel to the ICC by Ireland.
Micheal Martin, who is also foreign affairs minister, said the ICC is the “cornerstone of the system of international criminal justice”.
In a statement on Sunday, he said: “Ireland is a consistent and strong supporter of the court, and of its independence and impartiality.”
Mr Martin said the ICC has jurisdiction over “the situation in Palestine” and the prosecutor opened an investigation into Gaza, the West Bank and East Jerusalem in March 2021.
The investigation covers all crimes within the jurisdiction of the court, including war crimes and crimes against humanity, alleged to have been committed since the date of referral in 2014.
“This gives the court jurisdiction over any crimes committed within Palestine, and/or by Palestinian nationals outside it, including in Israel.
“Importantly, the current prosecutor, Karim Khan, has made absolutely clear on a number of occasions over the last month that this investigation covers the current conflict, including all events on and from October 7 this year.
“He has confirmed that there is an active investigation ongoing in relation to the situation in Palestine.”
Mr Martin added: “Ireland will continue to fully support the ICC in its vitally important work in investigating all the situations before it, whether that be in Ukraine, Darfur, Palestine, Libya, the Democratic Republic of the Congo or elsewhere.
“All victims, everywhere, are equally deserving of justice and accountability.”
IDF: No siege at Shifa hospital, we’ll help move babies to safety
Times of Israel: IDF spokesman asserts Hamas losing control as some 200,000 more evacuate Strip’s north; four fallen Israeli troops killed by booby-trapped tunnel shaft.
Sadiq Khan paid tribute to police for handling Armistice Day protests
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan paid tribute to police for handling Armistice Day protests as he condemned cases of far-right violence and “hate and racism” at the pro-Palestinian march.
In a statement, he said: “I’d like to pay tribute to the Met police who have dealt with a very difficult day with exceptional professionalism. The overwhelming majority of people who used their democratic right to protest on the streets of London today did so peacefully.
“Sadly however, we have seen far-right thugs attacking the police and some who have used the pro-Palestinian protest to spread hate and racism, including antisemitism. This is unacceptable – as is attempting to intimidate politicians.
“The far right have clearly been encouraged and emboldened by what they have heard this week, including from senior politicians like the Home Secretary. I hope everyone takes the time to reflect on the impact their words and actions can have on others.
“The Met have my full support in taking action, without fear or favour, against those who broke the law. I continue to support them in taking a zero-tolerance approach against anyone found committing violent offences or spreading hate.”
Netanyahu vows to defeat Hamas even if Israel has to ‘stand firm against the world’
Times of Israel: Defiant PM rejects international criticism, blasts Macron for accusing Jerusalem of bombing civilians; says PA can’t rule Gaza after war; Gallant rejects world’s ‘moral
126 people arrested in London at protests
Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist said 126 people had been arrested in London.
He added: “There are many officers still deployed across central London responding to any outbreaks of disorder and ensuring key sites are protected ahead of tomorrow’s remembrance events.
“Many more are working in custody suites dealing with the 126 people who have been arrested so far.
“I am extremely proud of what our officers have achieved in challenging circumstances, including the many officers who came from across the country to help us keep London safe.”
Boris Johnson denounces antisemitism at pro-Palestinian march.
Boris Johnson has denounced antisemitism displayed by some on the pro-Palestinian march.
Without mentioning cases of far-right violence on Armistice Day, the former prime minister said on social media site X: “Almost 80 years after the end of the Second World War it is shocking to hear nakedly anti-Semitic chants on the streets of London today.
“There are people who plainly want to ignore the Hamas massacre of October 7. They want to wipe Israel off the map. That is what they were chanting for today. They must not and will not succeed.
Police doing ‘everything’ in its power to ensure Jewish Londoners feel safe
The Metropolitan Police is doing “everything” in its power to ensure Jewish Londoners feel safe during Saturday’s pro-Palestine protest.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor said: “We’ve got a policing operation that is double the size of the first weekend.
“We’ve got nearly 1,850 officers working on Saturday, 1,350 working on Sunday.
“I’ve used all of the powers that are available to me to use over the weekend to limit the impact, to manage the impact, whilst people go about their lawful business and their right to protest.
“So for the Jewish communities in particular, we are engaged, we are absolutely aware of the fear and concerns and we are doing everything in our power to ensure that they are safe, and they must feel safe.
“But if people are frightened, or see things that they’re frightened of, they must report it to us so we can respond.”
Prime Minister and Suella Braverman “work very closely” together
Number 10 said that the Prime Minister and Suella Braverman “work very closely” together.
It comes after Chancellor Jeremy Hunt said earlier that he had a “productive relationship” with the Home Secretary.
Asked if the same could be said of the relationship between Rishi Sunak and Ms Braverman, a spokesman for the Prime Minister said: “Yes, they work very closely as they have been on protests and preparations for the weekend, tackling small boats and on the legislation set out in the King’s Speech to make our streets safer.”
Chancellor distances himself from Suella Braverman
Chancellor Jeremy Hunt distanced himself from the comments made by Home Secretary Suella Braverman.
He told reporters: “As many other Cabinet ministers have said, the words that she used are not words that I myself would have used.
“But I have a productive relationship with her as a colleague and I have always given her the money that she needs to fund police, bring down crime and to fund the immigration and asylum system.”
‘Unity’ call in Labour Party after frontbench resignation over Gaza war
Shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves has urged for “unity” in the Labour Party after the frontbench resignation of Imran Hussain over Sir Keir Starmer’s stance on the Gaza war.
Speaking to broadcasters on a visit to Leeds, she said: “I’m really sorry to see good colleagues like Imran Hussain feel like they have to leave the frontbench.
“And I understand why they are calling for a ceasefire but in the end I think that the most realistic and the quickest way to get the support we need for the people in Gaza is through the humanitarian pauses backed by other G7 leaders and backed by the leader of the Labour Party, Sir Keir Starmer.
“I hope we can have unity in the Labour Party and people can stick together but I also do recognise the strength of feeling about these issues.
“We all want to see an end to that bloodshed, and whether that is through humanitarian pauses or ceasefires our objective is the same, to avoid the loss of innocent civilian life.”
Hundreds of trade unionists blockade BAE Systems factory in Israel-Gaza protest
Hundreds of trade unionists under the banner “Workers for a Free Palestine” have blockaded weapons manufacturer BAE Systems’ factory in Kent in protest over the Israel-Gaza war.
Activists descended on the site in Chatham, Rochester, at about 7am on Friday and blocked its two entrances as part of an international day of action called for by Palestinian trade unions to “end complicity in Israel’s war crimes”.
Sunak under pressure after Braverman defied No10 with Met criticism comments
Rishi Sunak is facing calls to sack Suella Braverman after she defied Downing Street by writing an article accusing police of bias over protests in support of Palestine.
The Home Secretary’s widely-criticised claim that there is a perception some senior officers “play favourites” was not signed off by No 10, the Prime Minister’s spokesman made clear on Thursday.
Reports of antisemitic incidents up 800% in Netherlands since 7 Oct
Reports of antisemitic incidents have spiked over 800% in the Netherlands since Oct. 7, a leading Dutch-Jewish watchdog has reported.
The surge only reflects antisemitic acts reported to the Center for Information and Documentation on Israel (CIDI), not all incidents filed to police departments and other anti-discrimination bureaus.
CIDI would not release specific incident numbers but said the barrage of reports it has received since the start of the Israel-Hamas war is 818% higher than its monthly average recorded over the past three years. The group tallied 183 total incidents for all of 2021.
Starmer: ‘Home Secretary is out of control’
Sir Keir Starmer said of the Prime Minister: “He’s got a Home Secretary who is out of control and he is too weak to do anything about it. That’s the worst of all combinations.
“And that’s why across the country, repeatedly, people are coming up to me and saying we just need change now. We’ve just had enough of this.”
Sir Keir was asked if a likely vote in Parliament next week on calls for a ceasefire in Gaza would be a free vote for frontbench MPs.
He answered: “Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. We haven’t got to the end of the debate yet. We don’t know what the amendments are, and we certainly don’t know what’s going to be called forward for a vote.
“So I am not going to speculate as to a vote that may or may not happen next week.”
Ceasefire ‘understandable’ but Israel ‘taking action to secure its own stability’
Foreign Secretary James Cleverly has said calling for a ceasefire is “understandable”, but Israel is “taking action to secure its own stability”.
Speaking to reporters from the foreign ministers preparatory meeting in Riyadh ahead of the emergency Arab League summit for Gaza, he said: “The UK has long been committed to a two-state solution, the Israelis and the Palestinians living side by side in peace.
“The terrible circumstances that we are seeing, triggered by the brutal terrorist attacks on the seventh of October, remind us that we need to redouble our efforts to bring about that peaceful two-state solution. I’ve discussed that at length with my friends in the Arab world, also with the Israelis, and recently in the G7 meeting in Tokyo.
NYPD reports 69 antisemitic hate crimes in October
The NYPD reported 69 antisemitic hate crimes in October, marking a major increase in anti-Jewish incidents in the city following Hamas’ Oct. 7 invasion of Israel and Israel’s ensuing war against the terror group.
The number of antisemitic crimes in October marked a 214% increase over the same month last year, according to police data released on Wednesday.
The total for October was far higher than in any other month this year. The previous high-water mark was in March, which saw 32 antisemitic incidents reported to police, fewer than half of last month’s number.
October’s tally of anti-Jewish crimes was the highest single month total since October 2021, when hate crimes against all groups spiked, and in which anti-Jewish crimes made up a smaller proportion of the total.
Suella Braverman ‘encouraging extremists on all sides’, says Labour
MPs have suggested Suella Braverman should be sacked as Home Secretary amid warnings she is “encouraging extremists on all sides” over her response to pro-Palestinian protests.
Shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper led the criticism of Ms Braverman during an urgent question in the House of Commons focused on the operational independence of the Metropolitan Police.
The exchanges were prompted by Ms Braverman’s article in The Times in which she said aggressive right-wing protesters were met with a stern response by officers while “pro-Palestinian mobs” were “largely ignored, even when clearly breaking the law”.
The SNP and opposition backbenchers questioned if Ms Braverman should be sacked by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, while Labour former minister Sir Chris Bryant accused the Home Secretary of “inciting hatred”.
IDF launches ‘Mission Brief’ podcast
“As part of our broader strategy to engage directly with people around the world, the IDF has launched our Mission Brief media brand, currently consisting of two digital media channels that can engage directly with people. The first is a podcast hosted by Major (res.) Libby Weiss, an IDF spokesperson and the former head of the Digital Media Desk,” the IDF said.
Click here to listen
Defence Minister: IDF suppresses significant part of threat to home front
Yoav Gallant said the Israeli army “suppresses a significant part of the threat to the home front. The rocket fire by Hamas these days is mainly intended to disturb the routine of life. We need to make sure that the citizens are given security and the ability to have an uninterrupted daily routine.”
“We are in a prolonged war, and the issue of the civilian economy is a main factor in the management of the war. We need to resolve things quickly, even if not perfectly. We will have to operate with an expanded budget policy and shorten lengthy administrative work,” he added.
Macron: Protection of civilians in Gaza is ‘not negotiable’
“The civilians must be protected, that is absolutely indispensable. It is not negotiable,” the French President said.
Theresa Villiers ‘deeply troubled’ by the march planned for Saturday
Conservative former cabinet minister Theresa Villiers told the Commons she is “deeply troubled” by the march planned for Saturday.
She acknowledged the police are in a “really difficult position” and that their powers are “constrained by law”, but speaking about the Jewish community, she said: “I have never known fear and anxiety as I have seen over the last few weeks.”
Home Office minister Chris Philp said he would be raising the fears of the Jewish community with senior police officers on Thursday, and told MPs: “We do expect the police, of course, to protect the Jewish community across London and across the whole country.”
Conservative former minister Sir Michael Ellis said he is “concerned” the Metropolitan Police commissioner “keeps saying he has no powers to stop the march or arrest people in these marches”.
He added: “Does he also agree that the Home Secretary has a power … where the Home Secretary feels that the police are failing to exercise their discretion reasonably to demand special measures to take action herself?”
Mr Philp said the Met commissioner’s power to ban marches is “rarely used” and has a “quite high threshold”, but said the Home Secretary would consider any such request carefully.
UN accuses Israel, Hamas of war crimes
“The atrocities perpetrated by Palestinian armed groups on 7 October were heinous, brutal and shocking, they were war crimes — as is the continued holding of hostages. The collective punishment by Israel of Palestinian civilians amounts also to a war crime, as does the unlawful forcible evacuation of civilians,” UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, says.
Israeli army says it destroyed 130 tunnel shafts in Gaza
“As part of the ground forces’ activity in the Gaza Strip, IDF soldiers are currently working to expose and destroy Hamas’ tunnels. Since the beginning of the fighting, 130 tunnel shafts have been destroyed,” the IDF says.
Foreign Secretary James Cleverly arrives in Saudi Arabia for crisis talks
The foreign secretary will hold high-level talks with Middle East counterparts in diplomatic efforts to prevent the escalation.
Cleverly will meet with foreign ministers , who are gathering in Saudi Arabia ahead of a League of Arab States emergency meeting on Gaza on Saturday.
He is expected to raise efforts to prevent wider regional escalation, including in Lebanon and Yemen, and offer continued UK support to bolster deterrence and counter threats from malign groups in the region.
Cleverly said: “I have been focused on diplomatic efforts to secure the release of hostages, to ensure that foreign nationals can leave Gaza, to deter any escalation regionally and to facilitate the flow of humanitarian aid at scale.
“I will continue this essential work in Saudi Arabia where I will meet with a number of my counterparts in the region to explore how we achieve those aims quickly and also look to the future of a lasting, peaceful, and prosperous two-state solution for both Israelis and Palestinians.”
Former police commissioner calls for police op discussions to be held privately
A former Metropolitan Police Commissioner has called for discussions around police operations for protests to be held privately, rather than aired publicly.
His comments came after Home Secretary Suella Braverman publicly called for the police to crack down on pro-Hamas protests amid the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Independent crossbench peer Lord Hogan-Howe said: “We all know that there is a real challenge, both for politicians and the police, in deciding whether to ban a march. Never easy, very rarely done…
“These are difficult decisions where you are trying to balance the right to protest against the problem of serious disorder.”
He said: “I do think the discussions around this topic should be done privately, not publicly,” and raised concerns over the implications of public discussions on the “operational independence of the police”.
Lord Hogan-Howe added: “I do worry that the pressures that are being placed on the police at the moment don’t always form wise judgments in the end.
“So I do think it’s important that these discussions, which are important, take place privately, and they observe the process, which is that the police call for the politicians to make the decision, not that the politicians call on the police to make the request, even though there is an element of both in the private discussions.
“So I think it’s vitally important that those conventions are respected.”
Global investor launches resilience fund to help Israeli startups
Leading investment platform OurCrowd has launched a Resilience Fund to support its Israel-based portfolio companies that are being impacted by the war.
The Israel Resilience Fund will also will focus on Israeli pipeline companies, including incubator ones, that are negatively impacted by the ongoing crisis, and/or produce technologies relevant to addressing problems arising from the current situation.
Our Crowd is waiving all management fees and carried interest for all investments in the fund.
Its founder and CEO Jon Medved said: “We have launched the Israel Resilience Fund so investors can support Israel in its time of need by investing in the country’s critical tech ecosystem, strengthening startups and employment during time of crisis.”
Hamas: 10,569 killed since beginning of war
The Hamas run health ministry announced on Wednesday that the total death toll since the beginning of the war on October 7 rose to 10,569, including 4,324 children and 2,823 women. Hamas doesn’t clarify how many terrorists were killed.
Sunak to hold Met Commissioner ‘accountable’ for giving go-ahead to Gaza rally
Rishi Sunak has said he will hold the Metropolitan Police Commissioner “accountable” for his decision to greenlight a “disrespectful” pro-Palestinian demonstration to take place on Armistice Day.
The Prime Minister will meet Sir Mark Rowley to discuss the issue later on Wednesday.
MDA Ofakim station honours murdered ambulance driver
2 defibrillators were given to Magen David Adom First Responders in Ofakim in memory of MDA Senior EMT Aharon Haimov z”l.
He was murdered on 7 October by terrorist gunfire on the morning of Simchat Torah, while he was driving an ambulance, on his way to save lives.
MDA Ofakim Monday 6 November 2023
His father in law and the manager of Ofakim MDA station, Dani Shtarkman, lit memorial candles at the memorial stand in the station.
He said: “Aharon z”l was a devoted man who gave everything he had to save lives. He was a responsible and professional person, who always cared about the patients’ welfare before anything else. The giving of the defibrillators in his memory is a direct continuation of his way – of the sanctity of life. We all miss Aharon deeply, may he rest in peace.”
Medical staff protest for hostage intervention outside Red Cross
A demonstration by medical staff and health professionals in front of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in London is calling for an immediate intervention in the case of the hostages kidnapped from Israel on 7th October.
The group of medical, nursing, mental health and allied healthcare professionals in the UK said they “appeal to the Red Cross for their immediate intervention in the hostage crisis of 241 hostages kidnapped from Israel on Saturday 7 October 2023, the same day when over 1400 were brutally massacred by the terrorist organisation, Hamas.
“We call for the immediate release of the hostages who were abducted by force from Israel to Gaza and now held by Hamas, a proscribed terror organisation. The hostages include babies, children, disabled, elderly, women, and men, some of whom have urgent medical needs. We have grave concerns about the physical and mental wellbeing of the hostages and demand that the Red Cross visit the hostages to assess their medical condition and needs.
“We act as part of a global initiative in collaboration with the hostages and missing families’ forum. On Thursday (9 November) doctors and allied healthcare professionals from medical institutions in the UK, together with the forum for the families of the hostages will demonstrate in front of the offices of the ICRC in London.
“The demonstration will begin at 16:30 and speeches will be made by the demonstrating health care professionals, including Mr. Elliot Sorene, whose son, a British citizen, survived the Re’im Nova Music Festival massacre on 7 October 2023.
Sorene, a consultant trauma, orthopaedic and hand surgeon in London said: “As medical and healthcare professionals, we will not rest, nor will we be silent until the ICRC fulfils its professional and moral duty to visit the hostages in the Gaza strip and to allow them to receive essential and lifesaving medical treatment. Infants, children, men, women, elderly and disabled, are being held in captivity by Hamas for over a month and have received no humanitarian visits from the ICRC. The argument that the ICRC is ‘doing everything in its ability’ is a denial of the substance of the organisation and its role, and raises serious questions about its unbiased,neutral and apolitical responsibilities, as it purports to be.”
The demonstration will take place on Thursday, 9 November, 16:30 Near the ICRC (Red Cross) Offices in London 44 Moorfields, London EC2Y 9AL
‘Ongoing discussions’ after the Met gives the go-ahead to Armistice Day demo
Health Secretary Steve Barclay said there would be “ongoing discussions” after the Met gave the go-ahead for a demonstration calling for a ceasefire in Gaza to take place on Armistice Day.
He told Sky News: “I think there’ll be ongoing discussions on this.
“There is a legal threshold and the commissioner is of the view that that legal threshold has not been met.
“Obviously, the Home Office and colleagues will discuss that over the course of the day.”
Starmer under pressure after frontbencher resigns over stance on Gaza
Sir Keir Starmer has come under fresh pressure over his stance on the conflict in Gaza after a shadow minister became the first frontbencher to quit in protest at his leader’s refusal to back a ceasefire.
Imran Hussain, MP for Bradford East, said he was quitting his role as shadow minister for the New Deal for Working People to be able to “strongly advocate” for a ceasefire.
The Labour leader has been grappling to maintain discipline in his top team over the Gaza conflict.
At least 16 shadow ministers have either called for a ceasefire or shared others’ calls on social media while around 30 councillors have resigned.
Shadow education secretary Bridget Phillipson said Mr Hussain had “reached his own decision” on the matter.
G7 countries: Israel, Hamas must allow unimpeded humanitarian support for civilians
“All parties must allow unimpeded humanitarian support for civilians, including food, water, medical care, fuel and shelter, and access for humanitarian workers,” a statement from G7 said.
Israeli army kills senior Hamas commander, attacks terror cells in Gaza
“IDF troops are continuing to operate inside the Gaza Strip to kill terrorists and direct aircraft to strike terror infrastructure. Based on ISA and IDF intelligence, an IDF fighter jet killed Mohsen Abu Zina, Hamas’ Head of Weapons and Industries in its manufacturing department. As part of his role, Mohsen Abu Zina served as one of Hamas’ leading weapons developers and was an expert in developing strategic weapons and rockets used by Hamas terrorists,” the IDF said.
“Overnight, IDF troops also identified a terrorist cell that planned to fire anti-tank missiles at the forces. The troops directed an aircraft that struck the cell and killed several terrorists. Furthermore, IDF troops directed an aircraft to a strike on a terrorist cell responsible for launching rockets toward Israel. Several terrorists were killed in the strike,” it added.
Israel is operating in the “heart” of Gaza City
“In the south, the war is moving forward with force that Hamas has never seen. Gaza City is surrounded. We are operating within it, we are deepening the pressure on Hamas every hour, every day,” Prime Minister Netanyahu said.
Israeli soldier killed in Gaza, bringing death toll since ground offensive to 31
Sgt. First Class (res.) Yaacov Ozeri, 28, from Kfar Shamai, was killed during fighting with Hamas terrorists in northern Gaza.
Israeli ambassador says Ireland is not ‘politically neutral’ in Gaza conflict
The Israeli Ambassador in Dublin has said she does not believe Ireland is politically neutral in respect of the Israel-Hamas conflict, as she warned of a rising “wave of antisemitism” internationally.
Dana Erlich was speaking after a screening of footage for reporters at the Israeli embassy which showed Hamas’ October 7 attack.
She said the footage, which included an attack on a kibbutz and Re’im music festival one month ago, was “historically important”.
Ms Erlich said: “It is the most horrific attack on Jewish people since the Holocaust.”
She said the footage in the 43-minute video was collected from the cameras of victims, emergency personnel, and dead Hamas operatives.
Netanyahu: We are reaching deeper into Gaza than Hamas ever imagined
Times of Israel: Benjamin Netanyahu says the IDF has been reaching deeper into Gaza than Hamas ever imagined, and warns Lebanon’s Hezbollah that it would be making the “greatest mistake of its life” if it opens a new full-on war front.
Speaking from the Kirya military headquarters in Tel Aviv, Netanyahu says he is addressing the nation in order to update Israelis on the war.
“In the south, the war is moving forward with force that Hamas has never seen,” he says. “Gaza City is surrounded. We are operating within it, we are deepening the pressure on Hamas every hour, every day.”
Rocket alarms sound throughout central Israel
Times of Israel: Rocket alarms sound throughout central Israel, in Gaza border area. Air raid sirens are sounding throughout central Israel — in Tel Aviv and its suburbs, as well as the Sharon area, Ashdod and the Gaza border area. There are no immediate reports of impacts or injuries.
Halifax ‘sorry’ for letter describing Israeli city as Palestinian territory
Halifax bank has apologised after it sent a letter to a British-Israeli man in Tel-Aviv telling him he lived in occupied Palestinian territory.
David Bender said he was “shocked” when he received the letter with his new credit card, describing the Israeli city as “Palestine Territory, Occupied” in the address line.
Mr Bender, 75, originally from Manchester, said he feared it was a “conscious and cold” act of antisemitism by someone who had access to his personal data.
But the bank blamed human error on the part of an employee who was “confused” and “ignorant” about the geography of the region and said it was not a malicious act.
They said the mistake was made in August – before an attack by Hamas which left 1,400 Israelis dead – and that the letter had been sent before they could rectify it.
Halifax apologised for the “regrettable” mistake and said the employee in question would be given the “right training” to ensure similar mistakes are not made in the future.
SNP calls again for ‘humanitarian ceasefire’
SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn called for a “humanitarian ceasefire” to end the fighting in the Middle East, in contrast to the pause backed by the Government and Labour.
Mr Flynn told the Commons: “Thousands and thousands of people have been killed. People don’t have access to food, they don’t have access to clean water, they don’t have access to fuel, they cannot turn on the lights, they don’t have access to medicine.”
He added: “What we are seeing is collecting punishment. What we so badly need to see is a humanitarian ceasefire.
“Not a humanitarian pause which fills people’s bellies to then be blown up again in the days to follow.
“What we believe in unequivocally is a humanitarian ceasefire, and I sincerely hope that Members across this Chamber will join us in coming to that position in the not-too-distant future, because those are our values.
“We believe in peace and we believe in the protection of civilians.”
Army poised for prospect of a evacuation operation in Mid East
The British Army is posturing itself for the prospect of a non-combatant evacuation operation in the Middle East in the event the conflict expands, General Sir Patrick Sanders, Chief of the General Staff has said.
Appearing before Parliament’s Defence Select Committee, he was asked about the readiness of the armed services and the steps taken in light of the fighting.
“I don’t think it’s likely that we are going to find ourselves drawn into combat or conflict in the region, or certainly we would seek to avert that,” he said.
Minister urges former military personnel not to hold demos this weekend
Veterans’ Affairs Minister Johnny Mercer urged former military personnel not to hold demonstrations over the weekend amid concerns about clashes with pro-Palestinian marches.
The Palestinian Solidarity Campaign is organising a major march through London on Armistice Day, sparking fears of disorder, although Mr Mercer stressed the route was not intended to go anywhere near the Cenotaph on Whitehall.
Mr Mercer, in a letter to Metropolitan Police chief Sir Mark Rowley, said he had spent the weekend “dissuading various veterans groups from organising marches or protests this Saturday”.
But he urged police to protect veterans who were marking the Armistice or Remembrance Sunday.
“I have particular concern towards our elderly veterans for whom travelling to London once a year is an important part of their Remembrance and have expressed genuine fears to me around their ability to travel to London, particularly through our rail stations, unmolested,” he said.
“Whilst wholly respecting the police’s operational independence, I ask that your organisation make full use of the powers at their disposal to ensure that these concerns do not materialise.”
CAA: ‘Consider military reinforcement of police’
An antisemitism charity has written to the Home Secretary about the ‘failures’ of the Metropolitan Police during recent pro-Palestinian marches across the UK.
Pic: CAAS, Twitter
On Twitter/X, Campaign Against Antisemitism said: “We have written to @SuellaBraverman, whose support for our community at this time has been rock solid. Given the failures of @MetPoliceUK, we have asked her to consider military reinforcement of police and an exceptional use of her power under section 40 of the Police Act 1996 to issue a direction for the police to address the failures.”
Met Police: Not appropriate to hold protests this weekend
Met Police Deputy Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan, who leads public order policing in the English capital, said on Monday: “The risk of violence and disorder linked to breakaway groups is growing.
“This is of concern ahead of a significant and busy weekend in the capital.
“Our message to organisers is clear: please, we ask you to urgently reconsider. It is not appropriate to hold any protests in London this weekend.”
Deputy Prime Minister will chair meeting of the Cobra emergency committee
Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden will chair a meeting of the Cobra emergency committee to consider the impact of the Israel-Hamas conflict in the UK.
The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said “it will look a wide range of areas but it’s obviously particularly focused on the impact of the terrorist attack on the UK domestically” and how to address important issues around “community cohesion”.
‘Enormous fears’ Israel Hamas conflict could escalate and widen
Leo Varadkar has said he has “enormous fears” that the Israel Hamas conflict could escalate and widen.
“I think all of us, all of us watching what we see on our TV news or on social media every day just can’t be struck by the number of children who are being killed, often pretty thin and malnourished children, for other reasons,” he told the Dail parliament.
“The number of journalists who have been killed, and also the number of UN aid workers who have been killed – and these are real heroes, aid workers who stayed behind in Gaza and not just risked their lives but lost their lives too and they’re real heroes in my view.
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer: The hostages to be released now
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, turning to the Israel-Gaza conflict as he responded to the King’s Speech, told the Commons: “It is now one month exactly since the senseless murder of Jews by the terrorists of Hamas and the taking of hostages on October 7.
“And every new day in Gaza now brings with it more pain, more suffering, more agony. Hostages still held. Thousands of civilians dead, including so many innocent women and children, millions struggling for the basics of life – food, water, sanitation, medicines and fuel.
“We cannot and we will not close our eyes to their suffering. We need a humanitarian pause now. The hostages to be released now.
“Israel has the right and duty to defend herself but it is not a blank cheque, it must comply with international law and this House must commit to do whatever it can to keep alive the light of peace, so we welcome the address’s clear commitment to support the two-state solution.”
Thousands gather in NY for a vigil and rally marking 30 days since attack
Thousands have gathered next to Central Park for a vigil and rally marking 30 days since Hamas’ attack.
Speakers at the event, held along Central Park West on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, mourned 1,400 victims, demanded the release of the more than 200 hostages and decried rampant antisemitism in the U.S. in recent weeks.
Participants carried photos of the hostages and signs reading, “Bring our children home,” “Let my people go,” and “We stand with Israel.” Thousands streamed past police cruisers on their way to the event chanting, “Bring them home” and singing Israel’s national anthem, “Hatikvah.”
Sunak: ‘Fairly large number of arrests frankly terrifying for Jewish communities’
PM says “any instances of antisemitism is one to many”. He pointing to a “fairly large number of arrests” made and language being used that is “frankly terrifying” for Jewish communities.
Ministers will ‘stand fully behind’ police if they ban Armistice Day protest
Energy Security Secretary Claire Coutinho said ministers will “stand fully behind” police if they choose to ban a protest planned for Armistice Day.
She told Sky News: “If they were to choose to ban those protests then the Government would stand fully behind them. It is a decision that rests with the police. The ministers involved have made it very clear that they have serious concerns.
“I think people in this country want to make sure that veterans and the memories of fallen soldiers are respected.”
She said “people should think very carefully” and it would be “very out of touch” with the culture of Britain to disrupt the day.
Edgware barber closes on Shabbat in solidarity with Israel
A Jewish barber from Edgware is showing his respect for Israel by closing his shop to observe Shabbat for the next four weeks.
Craig Morris, 47, has been running his barber shop for twenty years.
Pic: Craig Morris
Speaking to Jewish News he said: “I have been raised personally and in the business sense by the community that surrounds me and has supported me for all this time. I have decided to try and give something back, especially to the clients who walk past me on Shabbos who deserve to see me do something in respect for Israel.
“It is the smallest gesture I can give by closing and trying to keep Shabbos for the next month. This will hopefully help raise the spirits of the community who help pray everyday for the safety of our family in Israel.
“We shall now be open full working hours on Sundays to make up for closing down on Saturdays. It’s not a grandstand moment, just a small thing I can do.”
British embassy staff temporarily withdrawn from Lebanon
The Foreign Office said some staff and family members have been temporarily withdrawn from the British embassy in Lebanon due to the “security situation” in the region.
Guidance on the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) website said: “FCDO advises against all travel to Lebanon due to risks associated with the conflict between Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories.
“There are ongoing mortar and artillery exchanges and air strikes in South Lebanon, on the boundary with Israel. Tensions are high and events could escalate with little warning, which could affect or limit exit routes out of Lebanon.
“There is also a risk of civil unrest. There have been large protests outside embassies, including outside the US and French embassies on October 17. Further protests are expected. British nationals should exercise caution and avoid areas where demonstrations may be held.
“Due to the security situation, some staff at the British embassy and all family members of staff have been temporarily withdrawn. The embassy continues with essential work including services to British nationals.”
Metropolitan Police: ‘Urgently reconsider’ Armistice weekend protest
The Metropolitan Police has asked demonstrators planning to hold a pro-Palestinian rally in London on Armistice Weekend to “urgently reconsider” their protest.
The force said it had met organisers from a range of groups on Monday to discuss concerns about the march, which is due to take place in central London on Saturday, although the planned route will not go past the Cenotaph.
It said organisers had declined to postpone the demonstration.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan said: “The risk of violence and disorder linked to breakaway groups is growing. This is of concern ahead of a significant and busy weekend in the capital.
“Our message to organisers is clear: Please, we ask you to urgently reconsider. It is not appropriate to hold any protests in London this weekend.”
Downing St: Pro-Palestinian march on Armistice Day ‘an affront to British public’
Holding a pro-Palestinian march on Armistice Day would be “an affront to the British public”, Downing Street has said.
Rishi Sunak’s official spokesman said: “To plan these sorts of protests in and around Armistice Day is provocative, it’s disrespectful.
“Should memorials be desecrated or should we see some of the instances of racial hatred for which there were arrests at the weekend be expressed on these days? I think that would be an affront to the British public.”
Asked about powers to prevent such a protest, the official said there are powers under the Public Order Act 1986 “which are for chief constables to use and they were able to apply to the Home Secretary and Mayor of London in the case of the Met”.
“It is obviously rightly still the case that operational decisions are for the police to make.”
Sunak: Not all pro-Palestinian protests are hate marches
Rishi Sunak does not believe all pro-Palestinian protests are hate marches, Downing Street has said, while emphasising there has been “some evidence of hateful behaviour”.
No 10 appeared to be seeking to distance the Prime Minister from Home Secretary Suella Braverman’s description of the demonstrations as “hate marches” when pressed on whether he saw them as such.
“We saw some evidence of hateful behaviour at the marches including arrests for inciting racial hatred, but obviously it remains the case rightly that people are able to, peacefully within the law, express their views,” Mr Sunak’s official spokesman told reporters.
He denied that the Prime Minister saw all the protests over the last few weeks as hate marches.
“Any instances of antisemitism is one to many,” he added, pointing to a “fairly large number of arrests” made and language being used that is “frankly terrifying” for Jewish communities.
Israeli forces push further into the Gaza Strip
IDF pushing deeper into the Gaza Strip – reportedly nearing main Shifa Hospital located above Hamas’s command centre.
Israeli army guiding Palestinian civilians along humanitarian corridor
Palestinian civilians have reached the Israeli Army lines south of Gaza City. They are walking along the humanitarian corridor created for civilians moving south & are carrying white flags. The Israeli Army is letting them through to South Gaza.
Via Visegrad 24.
European heritage association condemns vandalism of Jewish sites
The European Association for the Preservation and Promotion of Jewish Culture and Heritage (AEPJ) is “deeply concerned about recent vandalism at historic Jewish heritage sites in Europe, like the synagogues in Izmir, Türkiye, and Besalú, Spain. These acts are truly disheartening.”
“We strongly condemn these senseless actions that harm both local communities and our shared historical heritage. These sites are vital for understanding and dialogue, promoting cultural diversity.
“Let’s stand against hate and support the preservation of our rich Jewish heritage. #AEPJ #HeritagePreservation #UnityAgainstHate”
See the full message on Twitter/X here.
UAE, France preparing field hospitals in Gaza, Egypt
The United Arab Emirates is preparing to establish a field hospital in Gaza while France is doing the same on the Egyptian side of the border, both intended for wounded Palestinians.
Expat community in south of Israel fundraise for IDF
Pic: Shimon Mayerfeld
This week, a community of expats in Carmei Gat, a suburb of Kiryat Gat in the south of Israel, fundraised for and received roughly 300 boxes of supplies from America.
More than 50 volunteers, including children, then spent three hours in the hot weather packing the items for distribution to bases around the country.
Pic: Shimon Mayerfeld
To date, the community has raised more than £50,000 for soldiers and their families.
Their efforts can be supported at https://causematch.com/Israel-at-War/friendsofcarmeigat
ANC government withdraws unilaterally from brokering peace in the Middle East
The South African Zionist Federation (SAZF) says today in a press statement that the South African government is ‘choosing to side with Hamas militants responsible for abducting South African hostages’.
Rowan Polovin, SAZE national chairperson said: “The South African government’s failure, once again, to use its influence and act as a mediator between Israel and the Palestinians, or to contribute to broader peace initiatives in the Middle East, does not come as a surprise to the South African Zionist Federation (SAZF). This follows the ANC government’s decision to withdraw its diplomats in Tel Aviv this week, and unilaterally remove itself from having any role to play in ending the conflict.
“Instead of using the diplomats we have on the ground to help create peace and assist South Africans in Israel, the ANC government continues to behave in a manner that sows division and hate between groups back in South Africa.
“This appalling decision effectively cuts off the millions of South African Christians, as well as Jews and other faith groups, from their spiritual and religious connection to the Holy Land of Israel. This has already been met with widespread condemnation in our country, with protest action scheduled to take place in Johannesburg later today.”
Israeli media: Residents in northern Israel asked to stay indoor
Residents of the northern border towns of Kfar Giladi, Misgav Am, Manara, Malkia, Kfar Yuval, Margaliot, Metula, Yiftah and Ramot Naftali have been asked to stay indoor until further notice due to an unspecified security warning, Ynet reported.
Netanyahu conditions temporary ceasefire with release of hostages
“There would be a ceasefire for that purpose, and we’re waiting for that to happen. It hasn’t happened so far,” Netanyahu told ABC News.
“As far as practical, little pauses — an hour here, an hour there. We’ve had them before. We’ll check the circumstances [to have additional pauses] in order to enable humanitarian goods to come in or our hostages, individual hostages to leave,” he added.
IDF says it took control with another Hamas stronghold in Gaza
“Over the past day, IDF troops secured a military stronghold belonging to the Hamas terrorist organisation in the northern Gaza Strip. Anti-tank missiles and launchers, weapons, and various intelligence materials were located in the compound by the troops. In coordination with soldiers on the ground, an IDF fighter jet struck a cell of approximately 10 terrorists. Following this, IDF ground troops identified an anti-tank missile cell operating in their vicinity,” the IDF said.
“The troops directed an IDF aircraft that struck the terrorist cell. Dozens of Hamas mortar shell launchers were also struck overnight. In addition, IDF naval forces struck with precise ammunition strategic targets belonging to the Hamas terrorist organization, including posts containing technological assets. Furthermore, IDF troops located a number of Hamas terrorists who barricaded themselves in a building adjacent to the al-Quds Hospital, and planned to carry out an attack on the forces from there. IDF soldiers directed an aircraft to strike the Hamas terrorists. The attack led to significant secondary explosions which indicate the presence of a Hamas weapons depot in a civilian area,” it added.
Jewish man dies after confrontation during protests in California
A 69-year-old Jewish man has died in Los Angeles after a violent altercation at protests over the Israel-Hamas war on Sunday.
According to reports, Paul Kessler was hit over the head with a megaphone during the Pro Israel and Pro Palestinian rallies, and was taken to hospital where he died the following day.
Police continue to investigate and have not released any information about suspects. Authorities are also not ruling out a hate crime.
Family of Irish Israeli girl feared kidnapped living a ‘constant nightmare’
The half-sister of an Irish-Israeli girl feared kidnapped in Gaza has said the family is living a “constant nightmare”.
Emily Hand was originally feared dead after the Hamas assault on Kibbutz Be’eri in Israel on October 7.
However, the eight-year-old’s family have been informed she may still be alive and being held hostage by Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
Emily’s father, Thomas, is originally from Dublin.
Natalie Hand, her half-sister, said the family has got hope back after initially being told Emily was dead.
“We’ve been informed by the military and other authorities that the first line was that she’s kidnapped and alive, and they have a few intelligence, that they get all the sources combined and then they cross all the information together, we don’t know exactly the details, but we do know she’s kidnapped,” she told RTE Radio One.
20-year-old female police officer stabbed to death in Jerusalem
Sgt. Elisheva Rose Ida Lubin, 20, was stabbed to death near the Old City of Jerusalem on Monday. Lupin, from Kibbutz Sa’ad, moved to Israel from the U.S. in 2021.
US sends nuclear-capable sub to region
US sends nuclear-capable sub to Middle East to support its aircraft carriers already in the region.
Hamas says 10,022 killed, including 4,104 children; doesn’t clarify number of civilians
Hamas’ Health Minister in Gaza said the death toll in Gaza had risen to 10,022, including 4,104 children. The terror organisation doesn’t clarify how many of those are civilians and how many are terrorists.
Two border police officers stabbed, one critically hurt
Two officers were stabbed in Jerusalem on Monday, one was critically hurt.
‘Significant’ damage to Hamas underground and aboveground infrastructure
Times of Israel: The Israel Defense Forces believes heavy overnight strikes in the northern Gaza Strip caused significant damage to underground and aboveground infrastructure belonging to Hamas. The military had said it was carrying out “widespread strikes on terror infrastructure, below ground and above it.” Hamas described the strikes as “intense bombings.” The IDF says it has also killed more than a dozen Hamas field commanders, at the battalion and brigade level, since the beginning of the war, which is disrupting the terror group’s operations.
Vigil outside Scottish Parliament
A peaceful vigil for the hostages taken by Hamas was held outside the Scottish Parliament.
Fortnum & Mason’s delivery decisions ‘entirely technical’
The upmarket department store Fortnum & Mason has issued a statement about its shipping arrangements following confusion caused by messages on its website about delivery to Israel and the Palestinian Territories.
“To clarify, we have not been able to ship to Israel for several years due to complex food import restrictions,” the speciality food retailer in Piccadilly, central London, said.
“More recently, our delivery partner has advised they are no longer able to deliver to the Palestinian Territories.”
It added: “We apologise unreservedly for any confusion or offence that this may have caused. Any decisions we make around our delivery territories are entirely technical and we are updating our messaging to reflect this.”
Help the Wiener Holocaust Library to preserve its collections
The word ‘Gaza’ was daubed in red paint outside the Wiener Holocaust Library in central London last week. Here’s how you can help support the library. CLICK HERE
EU calls for humanitarian pause, release of hostages from Gaza
“I think that a humanitarian pause counterbalanced by an access to hostages with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) as a first step to their release is an initiative on which we should work,” EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell says.
IDF announces ‘safe’ corridor for Palestinians to leave northern Gaza
The IDF announced that it would allow another safe passage between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM local time for residents in northern Gaza to go south.
US ‘told Iran and Hezbollah it would intervene if they attack Israel’
Officials said the Biden administration has sent messages to Iran and Hezbollah through regional partners that the US would be prepared to intervene militarily against them if they launched attacks against Israel, the New York Times reported.
‘What Hitler did to you was a joke’: IDF arrests Palestinian activist Ahed Tamimi
“Our message to the herds of settlers is that we’re waiting for you in all cities in [the West Bank], from Hebron to Jenin. We’ll slaughter you, and you’ll say that what Hitler did to you was a joke. We’ll drink your blood and eat your skulls. Let’s go, we’re waiting for you,” Palestinian activist Ahed Tamimi wrote in a post on social media.
30 Israeli soldiers killed in Gaza so far, IDF says
The Israeli army announced that another soldier was killed in Gaza on Wednesday, identifying him as 22-year-old Staff Sgt. Shahar Cohen Mivtach from Karmiel.
U.S. Navy deploys nuclear-capable submarine to Middle East
The United States Navy announced on Monday that it had deployed the Ohio-class nuclear-capable submarine to the Middle East, in what is seen as signal to Hezbollah and Iran to stay out of the Israel-Hamas war.
Irish criticism of Israel ‘not harming bid to get citizens out of Gaza’
Ireland’s deputy leader has said there is no evidence his Government’s criticism of Israel is hindering efforts to get Irish citizens out of the Gaza Strip.
Around 35-40 Irish passport holders remained in the territory on Sunday and none had been included on the lists of international citizens able to leave through the Rafah crossing to Egypt.
Tanaiste Micheal Martin insisted Israeli authorities and officials in Egypt were helping Irish diplomats in their efforts to get the citizens out.
Ireland has been critical of the Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip.
Hamas rocket launchers found near playground
IDF says troops found Hamas rocket launchers near playground and swimming pool in Gaza.
British citizens trapped in Gaza ‘face leaving without family members’
British citizens trapped in Gaza are facing the “excruciating” prospect of leaving without their family members after the Foreign Office left those without UK passports off the safe passage list, a group representing them has said.
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has begun putting names of British citizens on to the list of those allowed to leave Gaza via the Rafah crossing to Egypt.
But some British citizens have said their dependants without British passports have not been included on the safe passage list.
The Rafah crossing is the only route out of Gaza for foreign nationals and the sole entry point for incoming aid.
IDF announces deaths of four more soldiers
They are:
Maj. Yehuda Natan Cohen, 25, a company commander in the Givati Brigade’s reconnaissance unit, from Shadmot Mehola.
Master Sgt. Lior Arazi, 25, a combat medic in Shaldag, from Givat Haim-Ihud.
Staff Sgt. Gilad Nehemya Nitzan, 21, a soldier in the Givati Brigade’s reconnaissance unit, from Shilo.
Staff Sgt. Yonadav Raz Levenstein, 23, a soldier in the Givati Brigade’s reconnaissance unit, from Ma’ale Adumim.
Their deaths bring the toll of slain soldiers since Israel launched its ground operation in the Gaza Strip last week to 28 and 345 since October 7.
WATCH: Shocking video Hamas supporter in central London
Filmed 1/11/23, 8pm, Oxford St. Most explicit, shocking video yet of destroying kidnap posters while supporting terror. ‘Hamas, my mujahadeen brothers. I love them, I support them, I pray for them. Tell Rishi Sunak
we love them.’
Jewish-Arab school in Israel wins global education prize
A bilingual and integrated Jewish-Arab school in Israel has won a global education prize in recognition of its efforts to heal longstanding divisions.
The Max Rayne Hand In Hand Jerusalem School – where Jewish and Arab students learn together in both Hebrew and Arabic – has been crowned winner of the T4 Education World’s Best School prize for overcoming adversity.
It comes as thousands of Israelis and Palestinians have been killed and hundreds of Israelis have been taken hostage by the militants in Gaza since the Israel-Hamas war broke out nearly a month ago.
The leadership of the Max Rayne Hand in Hand Jerusalem School reflects the diversity of its student body, with an Arab elementary school principal and a Jewish secondary school principal.
There is also equal representation of Jewish and Arab staff, who work closely together to create an inclusive learning environment for all the students.
Five arrests at King’s Cross station
Five people have been arrested during a pro-Palestinian sit-in at London’s King’s Cross station after the demonstration was banned.
UK pressing for a key border crossing to remain open
Britain is pressing for a key border crossing to remain open after more UK nationals secured safe passage out of Gaza, according to Foreign Secretary James Cleverly.
Thousands of protesters gather in Trafalgar Square
Thousands of pro-Palestinian protesters have gathered in London’s Trafalgar Square demanding a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war.
Some demonstrators climbed on top of the square’s famous fountains as the mostly peaceful group waved flags and banners and let off fireworks on Saturday afternoon.
At least one protester was seen carrying a banner which read “Let’s keep the world clean” with a picture of an Israeli flag being thrown into a bin.
A similar banner displayed at a protest in Warsaw was condemned by the Israeli ambassador to Poland as “blatant antisemitism”.
Other protesters chanted “from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free”, despite controversy around the slogan’s meaning.
Home Secretary Suella Braverman has previously branded the slogan antisemitic and claimed that it is “widely understood” to call for the destruction of Israel.
Andy Burnham has denied being disloyal to Labour leader
Andy Burnham has denied being disloyal to Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer over his call for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war.
When the question was put to him on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, the mayor of Greater Manchester said: “No, not at all.
“I would point to the fact that the statement issued by myself, the deputy mayor of Greater Manchester Kate Green, all 10 leaders on a cross-party basis, it was a careful, considered statement that sought to reflect the views of our communities here in the city region and come to an approach which we think is the right approach.
“Of course we abhor the terrorist attacks of October 7, we recognise Israel’s right to take targeted action against Hamas. Our concern was with the widespread bombing causing such huge number of casualties — that was the point that we have made.
“Keir, in his speech earlier this week, I think made many similar points so I don’t think the difference between us is too great.
“And this issue cannot become all about the Labour Party. These are really difficult judgments that everybody is trying to make and I think Keir, the shadow cabinet, the PLP (Parliamentary Labour Party) needs to be given the space to come to those judgments.”
Varadkar: Israel’s actions ‘more approaching revenge than self-defence’
Irish premier Leo Varadkar has said that some of Israel’s actions in Gaza were not just self-defence and resembled “something more approaching revenge”.
The Taoiseach reiterated his belief that Israel has a right to defend itself, and to “go after Hamas”, but said what he is “seeing unfolding at the moment isn’t just self-defence”.
He said Israel will not consider Ireland a close friend or ally as it has a different stance on Palestine than most western countries.
“I strongly believe that, like any state, Israel has the right to defend itself, has the right to go after Hamas so that they cannot do this again,” he told Irish media in South Korea.
“But what I’m seeing unfolding at the moment isn’t just self-defence, it looks, resembles, something more approaching revenge.
“That’s not where we should be and I don’t think that’s how Israel will guarantee its future freedom and its future security.”
Blinken: Two-state solution must be a goal of war
Times of Israel: US Secretary of State Antony Blinken argues that the goal of the war cannot only be to defeat Hamas but also to create a brighter future that includes a two-state solution.
Starmer says focus is on stopping Gaza suffering not on dissenting party members
Sir Keir Starmer has sought to play down the divisions within Labour over his stance on the Israel-Hamas conflict, as he insisted his focus was on stopping the suffering in Gaza not on the “individual positions” of party members.
It comes after two Labour council leaders called on him to resign, in the latest sign of internal divisions within Labour amid unhappiness among some MPs and members over the refusal of Sir Keir to back a ceasefire as the crisis continues to escalate.
Sadiq Khan thinks it is “important” there is a ceasefire in Gaza.
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has said he thinks it is “important” that there is a ceasefire in Gaza.
Mr Khan told the PA news agency: “It is a fact that I think it’s important there should be a ceasefire.”
“I think the way to get to a peaceful resolution is a de-escalation of violence, a de-escalation of what you’ve seen in the Gaza Strip, and the way to get there is a ceasefire.”
Labour Party leader Sir Keir Starmer has called for a humanitarian pause rather than a ceasefire.
Mr Khan said there were “many areas” regarding the Middle East that he agreed with Sir Keir, including the “two-state solution” and the need for a “safe, secure, viable Israel and Palestine”.
Rishi Sunak: ‘To plan protests on Armistice Day is provocative and disrespectful’
Writing on X, formerly known as Twitter, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: “To plan protests on Armistice Day is provocative and disrespectful, and there is a clear and present risk that the Cenotaph and other war memorials could be desecrated, something that would be an affront to the British public and the values we stand for.
“The right to remember, in peace and dignity, those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for those freedoms must be protected.
“I have asked the Home Secretary to support the Met Police in doing everything necessary to protect the sanctity of Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday.”
Councillors call on Starmer to quit over Gaza stance
Sir Keir Starmer has come under fresh pressure over his stance on the Israel-Hamas conflict, as two Labour council leaders called on him to resign.
The Labour leader, who has faced dissent from his frontbench and grassroots party members over his stance on the escalating conflict, is due to give an address later ahead of the King’s Speech next week.
Nearly 100 British citizens on list to leave Gaza to Egypt
Nearly 100 British citizens are expected to be able to leave Gaza for Egypt on Friday.
The latest list published by the Palestinian border authority includes 92 people described as British citizens, out of a total of 127 people named under the UK section of the list.
IDF carries out massive strike on Hezbollah after rocket fire
Times of Israel: The Israel Defense Forces says it is carrying out wide-scale airstrikes on Hezbollah sites in southern Lebanon in response to rocket attacks on northern Israel earlier. The IDF says that among the targets hit so far by fighter jets, tanks, and artillery are military headquarters, rocket launching positions, weapons storage sites, military complexes, and other infrastructure belonging to the terror group.
Police boss says image of Hamas ‘fighter’ in Londonderry ‘could be AI generated’
An image of a person dressed as a Hamas fighter during a Halloween event in Northern Ireland may have been generated by artificial intelligence, the chief constable has said.
Police are investigating a report of the costume following the circulation of an image on social media which appeared to show a person in the Guildhall Square in Londonderry dressed in a uniform with ‘HAMAS’ spelt on it.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland’s interim chief constable Jon Boutcher said he been made aware of a suggestion it could have been generated by artificial intelligence.
“None of our police officers saw anybody in that outfit. Nobody has made a complaint to either the staff who were stewarding or security for the event, and the event took place over three or four days,” he told a meeting of the Northern Ireland Policing Board.
“There is no trace of it whatsoever, and there has been a suggestion made to me – and this will be interesting if this is the case – that it might even have been some sort of artificial intelligence image that was presented and has been circulated.
“I don’t know at the moment, I can’t give you an answer on that, but that was the suggestion last night.
“The officers were very alive to the irresponsibility and the potential criminality of somebody dressing like that.
“At the moment we can’t find any witnesses or anybody saying that someone was walking around dressed like that during the events of Halloween so the jury is out on that.”
More Britons manage to flee Gaza through the Rafah crossing
British nationals have been able to get out of Gaza through the Rafah crossing into Egypt for a second day amid intensive diplomatic efforts as Israeli forces continue to advance through the territory.
Two UK aid workers managed to leave the territory on Wednesday, but around 200 British nationals were facing an anxious wait for permission to make the journey to safety.
UJS cites ‘constructive meeting’ with UCL Provost over union incitement to Israel violence
From @UJS Twitter/X
“Yesterday, we met with @ucl’s Provost to discuss this issue. We had a constructive meeting and we are pleased that UCL has condemned this incitement of violence. We call for them to match this condemnation with urgent action against those responsible for this grotesque motion.”
Board of Deputies president visits Qatar for ‘high-level’ talks about hostage release
The World Jewish Congress (WJC) says that the Qataris “acknowledged the gravity of the situation and reassured the WJC delegation of their unwavering commitment to the hostages’ immediate freedom. This priority aligns with their shared vision of humanitarianism and regional peace”.
British nationals cross from Gaza into Egypt
Brits are among 400 foreign nationals and injured people to leave Gaza as the Rafah Crossing opens. The Foreign Office says it has agreed a list of British nationals who want to leave Gaza with Egyptian and Israeli authorities. We will be informed in advance when those on the list can use the crossing to ensure we can prove assistance.
Defence Minister: ‘There are very important achievements being made in the field’
“I am impressed by the activities of our forces. This is a determined, decisive action. There is strong cooperation between ground and air forces. There are very important achievements being made in the field — hitting terrorists of all levels, from fighters in the field to high-ranked ones,” Defence Minister Gallant said.
Swastikas painted on Jewish cemetery in Vienna
Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer condemned in “the strongest terms” an arson attack on the Jewish section of Vienna’s central cemetery as well as swastikas painted on the external walls.
“Antisemitism has no place in our society,” he said.
Investigation under way after police officers seen removing kidnap posters
An investigation is under way after police officers from a second force were seen taking down posters of people kidnapped by Hamas.
In a widely circulated video on social media, officers from Greater Manchester Police (GMP) can be seen removing the posters from a wall in north Manchester, an area with a large Jewish population.
On Monday, the Metropolitan Police said some of their officers took down posters in Edgeware, London, in a bid to ease community tension.
A large number of posters of people kidnapped from Israel by the terror group Hamas have gone on display since violence erupted in the Middle East earlier this month.
Assistant Chief Constable Wasim Chaudhry, of GMP, said: “We share concerns raised regarding the removal of posters in the north Manchester area and can confirm that an investigation is under way.
“The action taken last night, in response to complaints, is contrary to guidance that the force had already issued to staff in relation to flyposting.
“We will continue to work with local authorities and the community to ensure posters can be displayed. We regret any offence caused.”
Pro-Palestinian activists stage sit-in at London’s Liverpool Street station
A group of pro-Palestinian activists staged a sit-in at Liverpool Street station in London in protest at the Israel-Hamas conflict.
More than 500 people joined the protest at around 5.30pm on Tuesday to demand an immediate ceasefire to Israel’s attacks on Gaza and an end to arms exports to Israel.
Palestinian music and chants such as “ceasefire now” could be heard from the crowds at the sit-in, which was organised by direct action group Sisters Uncut.
Members from other activist groups including the Palestinian Youth Movement and International Jewish Anti-Zionist Network also spoke at the demonstration.
The British Transport Police said later on Tuesday: “Our officers dealt with a protest earlier this evening at Liverpool Street station. The station is back to normal operations.
“Anyone wishing to make a report related to the protest at Liverpool Street can text 61016 or call 0800 40 50 40 with reference 324 of 31 October 2023.”
Rafah Crossing likely to open today for foreign nationals
Foreign Secretary James Cleverly has said that the Rafah Crossing is likely to open today for a first group of foreign nationals. Writing on X (formerly Twitter)he said: “UK teams are ready to assist British nationals as soon as they are able to leave.
“It’s vital that lifesaving humanitarian aid can enter Gaza as soon as possible.”
IDF targeted 11,000 Hamas positions since beginning of war
“Overnight, combined IDF troops struck several terror targets throughout the Gaza Strip, including operational command centres and Hamas terrorist cells. During battles yesterday (Tuesday), IDF troops identified several Hamas terrorists who barricaded themselves in a multi-story building – located near a school, medical centre and government offices – in the area of Jabaliya in the northern Gaza Strip,” the IDF said.
“IDF troops directed the IAF to strike the terrorists. Furthermore, IDF troops identified a vehicle carrying anti-tank missiles driving toward the forces operating in the Gaza Strip. In response, the troops directed and aircraft to fire toward the vehicle. A hit was identified,” it added.
11 Israeli soldiers killed in Gaza so far
The IDF identified the soldiers as: Staff Sgt. Roei Wolf from Ramat Aviv; Staff Sgt. Lavi Lipshitz from Modi’in, Ariel Reich, 24, from Jerusalem; Asif Luger, 21, from Yagur; Adi Danan, 20, from Yavne; Halel Solomon, 20, from Dimona; Erez Mishlovsky, 20, from Oranit; Adi Leon, 20, from Nili; Ido Ovadia, 19, from Tel Aviv; Lior Siminovich, 19, from Herzliya; and Roei Dawi, 20, from Jerusalem.
Israel solidarity concerts in London and Leeds
*Bishnat Concert Series 2023* In solidarity with Israel
7th November – Leeds
8th November – London
Book Tickets – http://www.bishnat2021.org/
Norwegian student Marie Andersen suspended by the Medical University of Warsaw.
Medical student Marie Anderson has been suspended by the Medical University of Warsaw.
The 5th year student, whose husband is Jordanian, sparked international outrage when she was pictured at a demonstration in the Polish capital on Saturday 21st October, carrying a poster showing the Israeli flag being binned next to the words “KEEP THE WORLD CLEAN”.
Twitter: Visegrad24
in London, two women have been arrested on suspicion of terrorism offences following an incident during a protest in Trafalgar Square. Two women were seen with images of paragliders on their tops on Saturday 14 October.
Iran-backed group in Yemen claims responsibility for aerial attacks against Israel
The Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen claimed responsibility for the aerial attack against Eilat, saying it was done “out of a sense of religious, moral, humanitarian, and national responsibility for the people of Gaza, in the face of the weakness of the Arab world, and of the collusion of some Arab countries with Israel.”
Protesters mob Sir Keir Starmer’s car in anger at his stance on Israel-Hamas war
Police were forced to intervene after pro-Palestinian protesters mobbed Sir Keir Starmer’s car.
The Labour leader, who had just delivered a speech defending his approach to the crisis, was ushered into the back of a waiting Land Rover Discovery as protesters shouted at him and demanded an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.
Police officers pushed them aside, but the protesters ran at the car carrying the Labour leader and drummed on the window.
After the police cleared a path for the vehicle, protesters ran after it up the road.
The incident happened outside the Chatham House foreign affairs think tank in central London, where Sir Keir has been setting out why he was not demanding an immediate ceasefire.
The Labour leader believes that freezing the situation in its current state would do nothing to free the hostages taken by Hamas and would leave the group able to repeat its October 7 atrocities in future.
Instead, he has suggested that a humanitarian pause to let aid in and hostages out of Gaza is the only credible approach to the crisis.
Conference of European Rabbis issues Call to Action
Today, the Conference of European Rabbis (CER) released a joint statement calling for European governments to continue to support and protect Jewish communities following a rise in antisemitic incidents and attacks.
Pic: CER
CER is calling for governments to do whatever it takes to stop these attacks.
Sir Keir Starmer addresses rebellion over Labour’s stance on conflict
Sir Keir Starmer has said he has a duty to address collective responsibility in his party amid rebellion over Labour’s stance on the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Asked by the BBC if he would allow ministers to undermine his responsibility if he were to become prime minister, the Labour leader said: “I think it is impossible for anyone to see the suffering we are seeing in Gaza and not feel compelled to try and do something about it.
“That is why I said in my short speech that I understand why people are asking for a ceasefire.”
He added: “There is unity and yet I am obviously engaging with my frontbenchers, but there is unity in what we want to see, which is the alleviation of the awful situation in Gaza.
“It is for me to address collective responsibility, I recognise that.
“It matters and I take that duty extremely seriously, but I put it in the context of understanding what is driving people in the call for a ceasefire, which is in my judgment not the call that we should be making as things stand for the reasons I have set out.”
Israel’s “Arrow” missile defence shoots down missile over Red Sea
“A surface-to-surface missile was fired toward Israeli territory from the area of the Red Sea and was successfully intercepted by the “Arrow” Aerial Defense System. IAF detection systems tracked the trajectory of the missile, which was successfully intercepted by the “Arrow” Aerial Defense System at the optimal operational moment and location,” the IDF said.
“Furthermore, IAF fighter jets were scrambled this morning due to an aerial threat identified in the area of the Red Sea and intercepted aerial threats that flew in the area. All aerial threats were intercepted outside of Israeli territory. No infiltrations were identified into Israeli territory,” it added.
Sarwar: Starmer’s comments on Israel and Gaza ‘hurtful’
Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar has said comments by Sir Keir Starmer which appeared to back Israel cutting off water and power to Gaza were “hurtful”.
The Labour leader has since rowed back on the remarks, made to broadcaster LBC, which resulted in resignations among Labour councillors and sparked anger among the party’s MPs.
Speaking to the Daily Record on Tuesday, the Scottish party leader said: “It was hurtful and I think he would accept it was hurtful. He accepts that it is not his position and it never was his position. But (that) language, framed as it was, did cause hurt.”
He went on to say that the comments could have been clarified and “rebuffed” sooner.
Mr Sarwar, along with London Mayor Sadiq Khan, are among the most high-profile members in the party to call for a ceasefire – something the UK’s party leadership has appeared resistant to.
On the relationship with Muslim members of the party, Mr Sarwar said there is “repair work to do” to restore “that trust and relationship”.
Israel, Egypt to allow 80 trucks to enter Gaza
???? The largest aid transfer since the start of the war: 8️⃣0️⃣trucks loaded with medical supplies, food, and water began inspection in preparation to enter #Gaza through the Rafah Crossing.#HamasISIS do not care about Gazan civilians. pic.twitter.com/2Xsu4ngvSu
— COGAT (@cogatonline) October 31, 2023
IDF arrests 8 Hamas members in West Bank
Israeli forces arrested eight members of Hamas in the West Bank. More than 1,000 Palestinians have been arrested in the West Bank, including at least 600 Hamas terrorists.
Candle-lit cathedral vigil calls for ‘human solidarity’ amid conflict
A vigil has been held at Canterbury Cathedral urging people to “come together in human solidarity” as the Israel-Hamas conflict continued.
The Dean of Canterbury, the Very Rev David Monteith, organised Monday’s event in reaction to the “horror and disbelief” in what has happened for “all peoples in the Holy Land” since the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7.
Dozens of people gathered in the rain holding electric candles and lights, while some tied ribbons of peace to railings outside the cathedral.
Ahead of the gathering, Mr Monteith said: “It’s easy to feel very helpless and hopeless in these situations but I think one of the things we can do is come together with a sense of solidarity, and with each other as human beings, as sisters and brothers.
“Even though separated by distance and culture and other things that separate us, in the end we are all human beings.”
The Anglican cleric invited representatives of the Jewish, Muslim and
Police and Shin Bet arrest three Israelis suspected of ISIS affiliation
The three are suspected of conspiring to commit terrorism, and came from the northern Israeli Arab towns of Arraba and Sakhnin.
IDF strikes 300 targets in Gaza, kills numerous Hamas terrorists
“Over the last day, combined IDF combat forces struck approximately 300 targets, including anti-tank missile and rocket launch posts below shafts, as well as military compounds inside underground tunnels belonging to the Hamas terrorist organisation,” IDF said on Tuesday.
“During the forces’ ground operations, the soldiers had several engagements with terrorist cells that fired both anti-tank missiles and machine gun fire toward them. The soldiers killed terrorists and directed air forces to real-time strikes on targets and terror infrastructure.”
BREAKING: UCL trade union votes for ‘intifada until victory’
The trade union for the second largest university in the UK, University College London, has tonight voted for “Intifada until victory” and a “mass uprising” against Israeli civilians.
In response to the motion by @ucl_ucu, the Union of Jewish Students (UJS) says: “This is a horrific incitement to violence and terror. We have written to UCL’s Provost to express disgust at the motion & call for urgent action in the wake of this.”
Pic: UJS Twitter
UJS adds in a post on Twitter/X: “The full motion, attached in screenshots, appears to be similar to that discussed at Cambridge SU and proposed at Oxford UCU last week.
BREAKING: Two women arrested on suspicion of terrorism offences
BREAKING: Two women arrested on suspicion of terrorism offences following an incident during a protest in Trafalgar Square. Two women were seen with images of paragliders on their tops on Saturday 14 October.
Father of models Gigi and Bella Hadid compares Israelis to Nazis
Mohamed Hadid, the father of models Gigi and Bella Hadid, has published a post in which he uses a chart to compare Israel to the Nazis.
Footballer Anwar El Ghazi to return after distancing himself from Instagram post
Anwar El Ghazi is set to play for Mainz again after the German club said he has “distanced” himself from a social media post about the Israel-Hamas conflict.
The former Aston Villa forward was suspended on October 17 by the Bundesliga club, who called the now-deleted Instagram post “intolerable”.
It was widely reported that El Ghazi would have his contract terminated, but Mainz have confirmed that the 28-year-old Dutchman will be staying.
A club statement read: “Anwar El Ghazi is warned by 1. FSV Mainz 05 for publishing a post on social media two weeks ago.
“After the publication, the club immediately released its player from training and games.
“Since then, in several conversations with the club’s board, El Ghazi has distanced himself from his post on his Instagram channel, which he himself deleted after just a few minutes.
“He regretted the publication of the article and its negative impact, especially for the entire club.
“In this context, El Ghazi also clearly distanced himself from terrorist acts such as those by Hamas, which led to a renewed escalation of violence in the Middle East two weeks ago, to the board.”
The club added: “He (El Ghazi) emphasised his sympathy with the victims of this attack as well as with all victims of this conflict. He made it clear that he did not question Israel’s right to exist.
“The club’s board clearly emphasised to Anwar El Ghazi in the discussions that it requires its employees to commit to the club’s values.
“This implies a special responsibility towards the State of Israel and the Jewish people, which derives from German history, but also the history of the club with its Jewish club co-founder Eugen Salomon.
“Against the background of El Ghazi’s commitment and the remorse he has shown, the club’s culture of dealing with mistakes requires that the player be given a chance for rehabilitation.
“Anwar El Ghazi will therefore return to training and games at 1. FSV Mainz 05 as soon as possible.”
El Ghazi joined Mainz on a free transfer last month from PSV Eindhoven and has made three substitute appearances.
He played for Lille and Ajax before moving to Villa in 2018. He made nearly 120 appearances in four years at Villa and also had a loan spell at Everton during his time in England.
IDF, Shin Bet save Israeli soldier from Hamas in Gaza
The IDF and Shin Bet announced in a joint statement that they managed to save a female soldier held hostage by Hamas in Gaza.
British Ambassador to Israel joins volunteers at food centre
British Ambassador Simon Walters volunteered yesterday morning (Sunday) at Asif – Culinary Institute of Israel, which for the past three weeks has been functioning as a centre for cooking, packing and shipping food to families evacuated from their homes, hospitals, and more.
The ambassador joined the dozens of volunteers and staff members and helped in packing the food and preparing it for shipment.
Pic: British Ambassador
Walters said yesterday: “I was moved by the strength, unity and generosity I saw today in Asif, and in Israel in general in recent weeks. It was a refreshing moment of optimism in these difficult days. I hope that my small contribution today will be able to help, even if a little bit, to the families and citizens who are in such great difficulty.
“I share in with the grief of the citizens of Israel after the brutal terrorist attack by Hamas on the seventh of October. The British government will continue to work non-stop in order to bring all the hostages home safely.”
Jewish Women’s Aid: we condemn rape as a weapon of war
The charity that supports Jewish women through sexual violence and domestic abuse says it is “devastated” by the recent atrocities committed by Hamas.
In a statement seen by Jewish News, Caroline Ratner, chair of trustees at Jewish Women’s Aid (JWA) says the organisation has “heard harrowing reports of acts of sexual violence and rape of Israeli women and girls by Hamas. We strongly condemn all forms of sexual violence and the use of rape as a weapon of war. Sexual violence against women during armed conflict is a grave violation of human rights and international humanitarian law. Such acts have a permanent impact on survivors and damaging psychological effects on women, particularly women who are victim-survivors of sexual violence.
“As an organisation that works tirelessly to protect women from abuse and violence, the appalling crimes committed against innocent women and girls are having a detrimental effect on the women we support, as well as our helpline volunteers, our advocates, and therapists who are directly supporting our clients.
“The public silence from many UK domestic/sexual abuse sector organisations further impacts the isolation and fear our clients are experiencing.
JWA says: “Our thoughts go out to everyone affected by these traumatic reports, we stand together with you in grief and horror.”
Interfaith tree planting brings Jews and Muslims together
Despite personal threats to stop working together, a group of Jews, Muslims and committed neighbours of diverse faiths decided instead to plant 15 trees in Dulwich Common, south London.
The Interfaith Tree Planting project is part of the memorial for Faiths Forum for London’s former co-chair Leonie Lewis. 100 trees will be planted in London in memory of her legacy and vision for peace.
Pic: Strengthening Faith Institutions
Rabbi Natan Levy said: “It’s difficult to talk to my Muslim friends at the moment because our political views are so very different and opinions so deeply divided. But I hear more and more about women with hijabs being threatened and yelled at in our neighbourhoods, and I feel that right now is precisely the time we need to stand together. By digging the earth, planting these trees with imams, priests, and people of different faiths, I do feel a small seed of change is being planted with these trees, and that’s so desperately needed right now.”
Mustafa Field, director of Faiths Forum for London said: “These trees will create a space of gathering together and overcoming differences, not just for us today, but for our children. It will stand as a living witness to the small fact that Jews, Muslims, and people of all faiths can come together to protect our environment, care for our neighborhoods, and work together for the good. I know from my Jewish friends that anti-semitic attacks are on the rise, and though a few trees in the ground won’t stop this hatred altogether, it will show both communities how much more effective we can be when we work together.”
Hamas releases propaganda video of 3 Israeli hostages
The video shows three women sitting on chairs, with one speaking in Hebrew on camera. The woman is raging against Prime Minister Netanyahu for his failure to prevent October 7 and for not getting the hostages out.
Jewish primary school children in the UK sing Hatikva
Jewish primary school children in the UK SING HATIKVAH, Israel’s national anthem, in solidarity with the people of Israel. Thanks to the United Synagogue for organising this.
Lebanese PM: ‘My duty to prevent Lebanon from entering the war’
“I am doing my duty to prevent Lebanon from entering the war. Lebanon is in the eye of the storm. For now Hezbollah has managed the situation rationally and wisely, and the rules of the game have remained constrained to certain limits. But at the same time I feel like I cannot reassure Lebanese” Najib Mikati told AFP.
Jewish schools in Paris evacuated after ‘bomb threat’
A number of Jewish schools across Paris and its suburbs were evacuated earlier today because of a bomb threat, according to emerging reports. Police are said to be searching the schools after an anonymous bomb threat was called in.
It is thought that the threat was targeted 20 Jewish schools in the Paris area.
The incident is the latest in a rise in antisemitic episodes that have taken place in France since the terror attacks on October 7.
Yair Lapid calls on Israel to kill 6 Hamas leaders
“The State of Israel must not stop and must not let go until we kill six people: Yahya Sinwar, Mohammed Deif, Ismail Haniyeh, Saleh al-Arouri, Khaled Mashaal and Marwan Issa. All six have to die. Until they die, Israel will not avenge the murdered of Be’eri and Sderot, Kfar Aza and Ofakim. Until they die, the Middle East will not understand that we are not messing around,” Lapid said.
A social media post from our Community Editor
Pic: Facebook
IDF kills four ‘prominent’ Hamas commanders
“Over the last few hours, the IDF continued to expand its ground operations in the Gaza Strip. During engagements with terrorists in the Gaza Strip, several terrorist cells that attempted to attack the forces were thwarted by IDF troops, with support from IAF helicopters and UAVs,” the IDF said in a statement.
“The troops also destroyed terror infrastructure, including anti-tank missile launchers and other launch pads. In addition, based on IDF and ISA intelligence, IDF troops killed four prominent Hamas operatives in the last few hours. Among the operatives killed were: – Jamil Baba, commander of Hamas’ naval forces in its Central Brigade – Muhammad Safadi, commander of the anti-tank missile unit in the Tuffah Battalion – Muwaman Hijazi, a prominent operative in Hamas’ anti-tank missile unit – Muhammad Awdallah, a senior operative in Hamas’ production department,” it added.
Hundreds arrested at Grand Central Station in New York City
Hundreds of protesters were arrested as they crowded Grand Central Station in New York City on Friday afternoon for a rally sponsored by a Jewish group calling for a ceasefire in Gaza.
The rally came a day ahead of a series of other pro-Palestinian rallies worldwide. It was organized by Jewish Voice for Peace, an anti-Zionist group that has accused Israel of genocide and blamed its policies for Hamas’ massacre of Israel on Oct. 7, which killed and wounded thousands.
Sunak to chair Cobra meeting on domestic threat linked to Hamas and Israel war
Rishi Sunak is to chair an emergency Cobra meeting amid fears that the conflict between Hamas and Israel could have increased the domestic terror threat in Britain.
The Prime Minister will assemble police and national security officials and Home Secretary Suella Braverman in Downing Street on Monday morning, Whitehall sources said.
Education minister Robert Halfon stressed before the meeting that the Government has to ensure British citizens are “safe and secure from the threat of terrorism”.
He declined to say whether the terror threat level might be raised. It currently stands at “substantial” in England, Wales and Scotland, meaning an attack is likely.
It has been at that level since February last year when it was lowered from “severe”, meaning an attack is highly likely.
Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley warned on Sunday that terrorism is being “accelerated” by events in the Middle East, as he raised concerns about “state threats from Iran”.
Meanwhile, Foreign Secretary James Cleverly is in Abu Dhabi for talks on getting humanitarian aid into Gaza and allowing civilians, including British nationals, to leave.
Israeli-German citizen Shani Louk confirmed to have died
The body of Israeli-German Shani Louk, who was seen in footage on the day of the attack laying motionless in the back of a truck, was found on Monday, Louk’s sister, Adi, has confirmed on Instagram.
Prevention of 200 British citizens leaving Gaza by Hamas is ‘form of hostage taking’
The prevention of 200 British citizens leaving Gaza by Hamas is “a form of hostage taking”, an education minister has said.
Asked on Sky News about reports that around 200 British nationals in Gaza are being prevented from leaving by Hamas, Robert Halfon said: “I’m sure that we’ll have more details as they come through. But I think it illustrates a wider point, the nature of the Hamas movement as a terrorist network, they carried out the biggest atrocity against Israelis against Jews since the Holocaust.
“They have their terrorist network. They’ve got 300 kilometres of tunnels underneath Gaza. We don’t know where the 200 hostages are being kept from all over the world, not just from Israel. And that is why it’s right to support Israel and its right to self defence to take out the Hamas terror networks.”
Sky News presenter Kay Burley asked him: “If I could just take you back to the 200 British citizens, including, as we know, the First Minister of Scotland’s in-laws, still there, given that they are not being allowed to leave, can we consider them as hostages?”
Mr Halfon replied: “If people are being kept in a place against their will, are not allowed to travel out, then that is a form of hostage taking. But, as I say, it shows the nature of Hamas, it shows what Israel has to deal with and explains why the Government has said that it supports Israel’s right to defend itself.”
‘Fearful’ time for Jews in the UK, says education minister Robert Halfon
It is a “fearful” time for Jews in the UK, education minister Robert Halfon has said.
Mr Halfon, who is Jewish, was asked on LBC if he agrees with Fleur Hassan-Nahoum, the deputy mayor of Jerusalem, who said she believes there is a problem with rising antisemitism in London.
He said: “Yes, I do. I think it’s a fearful time for Jews in the UK. I’m the higher education minister, as you mentioned – there are ever-increasing incidents of antisemitism on campus.”
Asked what action Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer should take after Middlesbrough Labour MP Andy McDonald used the “between the river and the sea” chant during a rally at the weekend, Mr Halfon said: “Well, I’m absolutely not going to get involved in what goes on in the Labour Party. I’m proud that the Prime Minister, the Home Secretary, my boss the Education Secretary are doing everything possible to support Jewish people at this very awful time.
“The one thing I would say that it’s incumbent on everyone, especially those in politics, not to chant slogans that are known antisemitic slogans, and I think I’d leave it at that.”
UK to hold emergency meeting on threat of domestic terrorism
“We have to make sure that British systems are safe and secure from the threat of terrorism as the government always does,” higher education minister Robert Halfon told Times Radio.
UK ambassador: ‘We’re extremely concerned about antisemitism’
Britain’s Ambassador to Israel Simon Walters told Army Radio that the UK is “extremely concerned about antisemitism.”
Walters also said that “Hamas must not remain in control in the Gaza Strip.”
Israeli airstrikes hit Hezbollah in Lebanon
The airstrikes hit Hezbollah targets in response to rockets fired at Israel on Sunday evening.
33 trucks with humanitarian aid entered Gaza on Sunday
“This is the largest delivery of humanitarian aid since 21 October, when limited deliveries resumed,” UN said.
IDF troops kill dozens of terrorists in Gaza
Overnight, the IDF continued ground operations in the Gaza Strip. During clashes with terrorists in the Gaza Strip, IDF troops killed dozens of terrorists who barricaded themselves in buildings and tunnels, and attempted to attack the troops.
In one incident, an IDF aircraft guided by IDF ground troops struck a staging post inside a building belonging Hamas, with over 20 terrorist operatives inside it.
In addition, over the last few days, the IDF struck over 600 terror targets, including weapons depots, dozens of anti-tank missile launching positions, as well as hideouts and staging grounds used by Hamas.
Overnight, IDF troops identified armed terrorists and an anti-tank missile launching post in the area of the Al-Azhar University, and guided a fighter jet to strike them.
Home Secretary to hold emergency Cobra meeting to assess ‘increasing’ UK terror risk
Home Secretary Suella Braverman is holding an emergency meeting with national security bosses today to discuss concerns the Israel-Hamas war could “accelerate” the chance of a terror attack in the United Kingdom.
Ministers and national security bosses will meet in Downing Street to discuss the domestic security risk in the UK. It comes after Sir Mark Rowley, the Metropolitan Police Commissioner and a former head of UK counter-terrorism policing, said that the country was facing a “particularly challenging time” as a result of the Israel-Hamas conflict.
IDF ‘troubled’ by the rise in antisemitism in the UK
Jonathan Conricus, a spokesman for the Israel Defence Forces (IDF), said he was “troubled” by the rise in antisemitism in the UK since Hamas’s attack on Israel.
In a video recorded on Friday and played during an online Jewish community briefing organised by the Board of Deputies of British Jews on Sunday, the military spokesman said: “I’m aware and troubled by the many manifestations of antisemitism and Jew hatred in Britain.
“We see it, it is reported in Israel as well. My best wishes go out to you and, just as we are going to be strong in what we are going to endure here and already have endured, I hope you will find it within you to be brave, strong, unrelenting and be able to stand up against the masses of thinly-veiled Israel haters and Jew haters who claim to be speaking about the rights of Palestinians and political solutions.
“That is all nonsense. None of this is about Palestinian rights or the end to a conflict.
“This is about a terrorist organisation that invaded our communities, butchered more than 1,000 Israeli civilians in their homes on purpose, by design, and also went on to take more than 224 hostages.
“That is what this is about, nothing else and please don’t get confused about it.”
Zelensky speaks out as crowds storm Russian airport looking for Israelis
Ukrainian president, Volodmyr Zelensky, has spoken out on X (formerly Twitter) after crowds of people infiltrated Makhachkala airport, in the Russian republic of Dagestan, reportedly looking for Israelis on an incoming flight from Tel Aviv, forcing the airport to temporarily close.
Videos have been circulating on social media showing people bursting onto the runway after the arrival of a flight from Tel Aviv, seemingly looking for Israeli citizens. In some videos numerous individuals can also be seen in the airport car park. Following the riots, authorities have opened criminal proceedings, according to reports.
On X, the Ukrainian president, Volodmyr Zelensky, commented:
“Appalling videos from Makhachkala, Russia, where an angry mob broke into the airport searching for Israeli citizens on the flight from Tel-Aviv. This is not an isolated incident in Makhachkala, but rather part of Russia’s widespread culture of hatred toward other nations, which is propagated by state television, pundits, and authorities. The Russian foreign minister has made a series of antisemitic remarks in the last year. The Russian President also used antisemitic slurs. For Russian propaganda talking heads on official television, hate rhetoric is routine. Even the most recent Middle East escalation prompted antisemitic statements from Russian ideologists. Russian antisemitism and hatred toward other nations are systemic and deeply rooted. Hatred is what drives aggression and terror. We must all work together to oppose hatred.”
Mobs storm through Russian airport looking for Israeli arrivals
Earlier today, a flight from Israel to the Russian Republic of Dagestan was forced to divert from its intended destination in the capital of Makhachkala after pro-Palestinians protesters stormed the airport, seeking to lynch the Israeli arrivals, according to multiple reports.
The plane landed at an alternate airport, but also faced riots. It has been reported that passengers were instructed to remain inside the plane and riot police were called to the scene.
Footage on X showed crowds rampaging through a Dagestan airport terminal looking for the Israeli arrivals.
Rishi Sunak and Emmanuel Macron speak after expansion of military operatio
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and French president Emmanuel Macron have spoken following the expansion of Israel’s military operation against Hamas, No 10 has confirmed.
A Downing Street spokeswoman said: “The leaders stressed the importance of getting urgent humanitarian support into Gaza. They agreed to work together on efforts both to get crucial food, fuel, water and medicine to those who need it, and to get foreign nationals out.
“They expressed their shared concern at the risk of escalation in the wider region, in particular in the West Bank. The Prime Minister and President Macron updated on the conversations they have had with leaders in the region to stress the importance of working to ensure regional stability.
Over 200 people gather at Qatar embassy calling for return of hostages
A human chain of 229 people formed outside the Embassy of Qatar in Mayfair, London. Qatar harbours Hamas leaders and has positioned itself as a lynchpin in negotiations for the release of the hostages, who were taken from their homes and a musical festival by Hamas terrorists on 7 October.
London volunteers send combat clothing to Israel
Jackie Benjamin with Alan Jacobs and bags of army clothing on route to a paratrooper unit in Israel
When Jackie and Jeremy Benjamin were asked by their nephew, Harel, if they could help with tactical combat uniforms for his reserve paratrooper reconnaissance unit serving in the Northern Command, they swung into action.
With help from family and friends they sourced military-grade kit from the Far East and asked those travelling to Israel to help out by taking the bags with them on the flights. Jewish News trustee Alan Jacobs was only too happy to help this wonderful initiative this afternoon.
Two women arrested on suspicion of inciting racial hatred in Trafalgar Square
Two women have been arrested on suspicion of inciting racial hatred following an incident in Trafalgar Square on Saturday, the Metropolitan Police said.
“Following our appeal yesterday evening, two women have now been arrested on suspicion of inciting racial hatred in Trafalgar Square,” the force tweeted.
“We’d like to thank the public for their assistance in sharing our appeal and for reporting the incident at the time. The suspects remain in custody.”
Online briefing for the Jewish community tonight at 6.30pm
There will be a special online briefing today (Sunday 29 October) for all members of the Jewish community, at 6:30pm, hosted by the Board of Deputies, JLC, CST, UJIA and BICOM.
Please click here to join the meeting: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UNOG0ClAW30
Jewish News’ Justin Cohen debates rights and wrongs of a ceasefire
Watch the debate that aired on GB News on Sunday morning.
Labour unlikely to sack senior MPs rebelling over Israel stance – Peter Kyle
Labour will not sack shadow cabinet members rebelling over the party’s position on the Israel-Hamas conflict, Peter Kyle has suggested.
The shadow science secretary said the Labour leadership would likely “continue engaging” with its own frontbenchers who do not agree with Sir Keir Starmer’s stance on the conflict.
Sir Keir has called for a humanitarian pause in the fighting to allow for aid to be delivered to Palestinian civilians in Gaza, a call echoed by the UK’s allies including the United States.
But he finds himself at odds with senior Labour figures, including shadow equalities minister Yasmin Qureshi, who called during Prime Minister’s Questions for Rishi Sunak to back a ceasefire.
Meanwhile, Imran Hussain, a shadow minister working in Angela Rayner’s team, is among 39 Labour MPs who have signed a parliamentary
Some pro-Palestinian protestors have crossed the line, says Cabinet minister.
Some pro-Palestinian protestors have crossed the line during demonstrations, according to a Cabinet minister.
Science Secretary Michelle Donelan said the UK Government “100% respects the right to protest and the right of freedom of speech” but said there “is a line and when that line is passed it can be dangerous for the rest of the British public”.
Asked on Sky News whether individuals at some of the pro-Palestine demonstrations had “crossed that line”, Ms Donelan said: “Yes, there have been individuals holding up placards of those images to represent those people who went in just a few weeks ago…”
Sir Trevor Phillips said: “The (Hamas) paragliders?”
Ms Donelan replied: “Yes — and killed innocent babies and raped women and massacred people. And that is inciting hatred and promoting violence and terrorism.”
Humza Yousaf has said he has spoken to his in-laws trapped in Gaza
Scottish First Minister Humza Yousaf has said he has spoken to his in-laws trapped in Gaza amid the ongoing conflict.
He had said on Saturday that he and his wife, Nadia-El Nakla, had not been able to contact her parents since the previous day after communications were knocked out and they did not know if they were dead or alive.
Ms El-Nakla’s parents, Elizabeth and Maged, travelled to Gaza from Scotland prior to the conflict to visit family.
On Sunday, Mr Yousaf said on X, formerly Twitter, that he has now heard from them.
Layla Moran: UK and international allies “failing” to prevent civilian casualties
Layla Moran, the Liberal Democrats foreign affairs spokeswoman who has extended family in Gaza, said the UK Government and other international allies were “failing” to prevent civilian casualties in the region with its stance on the Israel-Hamas war, as she described the desperation felt by Palestinians.
Speaking to BBC’s Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg programme, Ms Moran said: “I heard the Secretary of State (Michelle Donelan) now suggest it is Hamas that is stopping them from leaving.
“That is not what is happening. I find it deeply offensive to suggest that Hamas is giving my family any kind of marching orders. They have nothing to do with Hamas.
“The reason they are there is because it is three generations: one is frail; you’ve got 11-year-old twins. They can’t move. There is bombing in the south — there is bombing on the so-called safe route that they were given to get to the south.
Police chief would support a review into legal definition of extremism
Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley has said he would support a review into the legal definition of extremism and how it should be policed.
He told the Trevor Phillips On Sunday programme on Sky News: “There is scope to be much sharper in how we deal with extremism within this country.
“The law was never designed to deal with extremism, there’s a lot to do with terrorism and hate crime but we don’t have a body of law that deals with extremism and that is creating a gap.”
Demonstration outside Qatari embassy calling for the release of hostages
A demonstration will be held outside Qatari embassy in London at 3pm this afternoon calling for the release of the hostages kidnapped from Israel.
Man was arrested on suspicion of making threats to kill
A man was arrested on suspicion of making threats to kill as at least 100,000 pro-Palestinian protesters took to the streets of central London demanding a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war.
IDF warns north Gaza is now a ‘battlefield’
Times of Israel: Ground forces hit Hamas as IDF warns north Gaza residents area is now a ‘battlefield’. Multiple rocket barrages target south and central Israel, with no casualties; army says it will start allowing significantly more humanitarian aid to enter southern Gaza
Tens of thousands of pro-Palestinian demonstrators take to London streets
Tens of thousands of pro-Palestinian protesters have taken to London streets, demanding a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war.
Rallies have also been organised elsewhere in the UK – including in Manchester and Glasgow.
In London on Saturday, demonstrators gathered with banners and posters and let off fireworks and red and green flares.
Some chanted “from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free”, despite controversy around the slogan’s meaning.
A woman was knocked over by a police horse after the animal was startled by fireworks but appeared to be fine when she was brought back to her feet.
More than 1,000 Metropolitan Police officers are on duty for the demonstration, the force announced on X, formerly Twitter.
Police deploy officers to represent the interests of families in Israel
The Metropolitan Police has deployed officers to represent the interests of families in Israel, it has said.
Dominic Murphy, from the force’s Counter Terrorism Command, told a briefing: “I can now say that we have deployed officers in support of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in order to represent family’s interests in Israel alongside the FCDO.
“We continue to have family liaison officers deployed to families all around the UK and city police network colleagues are supporting that activity.
“And our purpose for being there is to support the investigation by a coroner here in the UK, and any other investigation that we may run as a direct result of the Hamas terrorist attack.
“We have seen two UK citizens who were were killed in that attack return to the UK and they now come under the jurisdiction of a coroner and my team here will be supporting that coroner’s investigation.”
BBC’s refusal to call Hamas terrorists was wrong says Badenoch
Business and Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch has criticised the BBC’s refusal to call Hamas terrorists after the attacks on Israel which sparked the growing conflict.
She told the Daily Telegraph a “false equivalence” has been made in “an attempt to be impartial”.
Andy Burnham latest senior Labour figure to call for a ceasefire
Andy Burnham has become the latest senior Labour figure to call for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
In a statement with deputy mayor Kate Green and 10 leaders of Manchester councils, the group said: “We are deeply concerned about events in the Middle East and the anguish being experienced by people in Greater Manchester, most acutely in our Jewish and Muslim communities.
Son of Hamas hostage says Palestinian protests ‘celebrate his pain’
The son of a 75-year-old hostage kidnapped by Hamas said he is going through “psychological torture” and accused Palestinian protesters in the UK of “celebrating his pain”.
Noam Sagi, 51, from London said his mother Ada Sagi was kidnapped by Hamas militants from her home in Kibbutz Nir Oz, Israel on October 7. She is among the 220 hostages currently held by Hamas.
Mr Sagi addressed attendees at a vigil held at JW3 (Jewish Community Centre) in North London, alongside speakers including Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis.
The vigil included a table of empty seats, displayed to raise awareness of the hostages taken by Hamas.
A name and face of one of the hostages was displayed on each of the 220 vacant seats.
The table represented the Jewish Sabbath, Shabbat, a time when Jewish communities traditionally come together for a family dinner on Friday evenings.
New York’s leading Imam to meet Jewish student leaders to hear their concerns
Amidst dramatic rise in anti-semitic incidents on US college campuses, Imam Shamsi Ali and Rabbi Marc Schneier will meet 30 Jewish student leaders from New York City colleges to discuss ways to combat hatred and violence.
Sir Keir Starmer is under growing pressure to call for a ceasefire
Sir Keir Starmer is under growing pressure to call for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas after London Mayor Sadiq Khan and the party’s leader in Scotland, Anas Sarwar, both broke ranks to challenge his stance.
Party sources made clear the Labour leader was not about to strengthen his position on Friday beyond pushing for “humanitarian pauses” to allow aid and essential supplies into Gaza, despite the demands from the senior figures.
Tel Aviv apartment block hit by rocket
A Tel Aviv apartment block has been hit by rocket – two people have been injured.
UK ‘reliant’ on a humanitarian pause to get support into Gaza
The UK is “reliant on” a humanitarian pause in the Middle East conflict to get support into Gaza, a minister has said, but the Government is continuing to resist calls for a ceasefire.
Empty Shabbat table at JW3
Empty Shabbat table at JW3 to raise awareness for Israeli hostages, with Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis and Noam Sagi, son of hostage Ada Sagi. Report to follow…
Flash vigil in Borehamwood for kidnapped children
Around 80 people gathered at a flash vigil in Borehamwood on Friday as a tribute to the more than 200 men, women and children kidnapped by Hamas terrorists on October 7. Participants placed a pair of shoes next to posters as a way of creating a visual representation of the hostages.
US strikes facilities in Syria used by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps
The United States has carried out strikes on two facilities in eastern Syria used by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and affiliated groups, Times of Israel reports.
The strikes are a response to a recent series of attacks against American personnel based in Iraq and Syria by Tehran-backed militias, US defence secretary Lloyd Austin said. US bases and personnel in the Middle East have been targeted repeatedly in drone and missile attacks since 17 October.
Government wants Border Force ‘ready’ to help British citizens
Gillian Keegan said the government wants UK Border Force “prepared and ready” to help British citizens in the Middle East.
The education secretary told Sky News: “We’ve been in intense discussions with partners in the region, but we want the Border Force to be there to be prepared and ready if and when we can get the hostages out.
“So it’s preparation so that we can be there, so we’ve got everything available if we can get them out.
“But right now we still need to agree that and it still needs to be facilitated.”
Shadow minister empathises with colleagues who disagree with party’s over conflict
Shadow environment secretary Steve Reed has said he understands and empathises with Labour colleagues who disagree with the party’s position on the Israel-Hamas conflict.
He told Sky News: “I completely understand and empathise with colleagues who are seeing what’s going on in Gaza and are just feeling desperate, so many viewers will be looking at those scenes today and feel just anguish at the pain and suffering that is going on.
Jordanian ceasefire draft resolution does not mention Hamas
Jordan has circulated a draft resolution that is still under discussion, which is meant to be put to vote tomorrow.
Three senior Hamas terrorists killed, says IDF
The Israel Defense Forces says it has killed three senior commanders in Hamas’s Daraj-Tuffah Battalion in an airstrike in the Gaza Strip today, Times of Israel reports.
The IDF says the strike killed the battalion’s commander, Rifaat Abbas, the deputy commander, Ibrahim Jadba, and a combat support commander, Tarek Maarouf.
President Herzog meets family members of Bedouins held captive by Hamas
President Isaac Herzog meets in the southern town of Rahat with family members of Bedouins held captive by Hamas in Gaza.
“We came to say that we share deeply in the grief of the entire Israeli Arab population, and the Bedouin society in particular,” Herzog says. “This is not a war between Jews and Muslims. This is a war between the people who seek to bring light and the people who seek to bring darkness.”
EU talks on common Gaza stance must consider all perspectives, says Taoiseach
Ireland must appreciate the differing perspectives of EU members on the Israel-Hamas conflict as the bloc strives to agree a united call for a humanitarian ceasefire, the Taoiseach has said.
Leo Varadkar expressed hope that a common declaration would emerge from talks at the European Council summit across Thursday and Friday.
He said the precise language of the statement did not matter as much as ending the violence.
Mr Varadkar arrived at the summit a day after Ireland advised all its citizens in Lebanon to leave the country amid fears the conflict in Gaza could escalate.
Ireland’s deputy premier Micheal Martin said on Thursday that the “precautionary” step was taken due to the possibility of a “sudden” escalation.
Buckinghamshire holds inter-faith peace vigil
Rabbi Neil Janes (right) of South Bucks Jewish Community and other participants of the vigil
On 26 October in the Bucks Council Chamber in Aylesbury, Rabbi Neil Janes, of South Bucks Jewish Community, led a call for peace and against hate in the county, alongside other faith leaders, and introduced by The Countess Howe, His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant in Buckinghamshire.
The faith leaders affirmed it was unacceptable that there has been a more than five-fold increase in antisemitism in the area since the Hamas attack in Israel on 7th October, alongside an increase in Islamophobia which they also condemned.
The faith leaders from the Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Baháʼí, Hindu, and Quaker communities read out a statement together which called on all residents in Buckinghamshire to speak out against every form of hatred and to share prayers for an end to war.
Rabbi Janes said, “This is about being responsible for our local society, ensuring it reflects the values we hold dear of justice, compassion and peace and against hate. We want to bridge the divides between us in person and online to show there is more that unites us.”
“There is anxiety, fear, and sadness in our local communities and we were gathered together to model the society we all wish to live in – one of love, respect, tolerance, justice, and peace.”
Auschwitz Museum director receives an OBE in Warsaw
Pic shows Lord Pickles (centre, Dr Piotr Cywinski, director of Auschwitz Museum, and (right Anna Clunes, British ambassador to Poland
Dr Piotr Cywinski, director of the Auschwitz Museum was presented with an OBE by the British ambassador to Poland, Anna Clunes, in a ceremony in Warsaw, during a session of the International Committee of Auschwitz Birkenau Foundation.
Lord Pickles was there in his capacity as Special Envoy of the UK for post-Holocaust issues.
Dr Piotr Cywinski, expressing his gratitude for the honour, said: “On this day I would like to call for the immediate and unconditional release of all civilian hostages in Gaza. This must be the first step in building peace in the Middle East”.
Lord Pickles said: “The Order of the British Empire is a very rare form of recognition for individuals outside of the United Kingdom. It is granted not because people do their jobs, but because they do their jobs in an exceptional way. Poland is the curator of former German camps, and I believe that the Auschwitz Memorial fulfills a unique mission in providing an understanding of the past”.
He added: “Every year, two students from each high school in the United Kingdom visit the Auschwitz Memorial as part of the Holocaust education programme. The way the Museum welcomes these young people and the way it preserves the truth is truly exceptional. And we will need that truth when the last survivors are no longer with us.”
Press statement by the South African Friends of Israel
The South African Friends of Israel (SAFI) has confirmed that it has been made aware of two South African hostages, both elderly females, that were abducted by Hamas from Israel into Gaza on 7 October 2023, and are being held captive alongside over 200 others.
Western Marble Arch Synagogue installation highlights scale of hostage crisis
Rabbi Daniel Epstein at Western Marble Arch Synagogue uses the pews to highlight the scale of the hostage situation.
Abraham Accord countries condemn Israel’s ‘collective punishment’ of Gaza
United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Egypt and Morocco condemn what they call Israel’s “collective punishment” of Gaza, saying: “Self-defence does not justify violations of international law, and deliberate disregard for the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people.”
Israel’s Ministry of Finance commits NIS 400m to help tech companies cope in the war
Israel’s Ministry of Finance is increasing the budget of the Innovation Authority’s Fast Track channel to aid hi-tech companies struggling during the war by NIS 300 million ($73.8 billion). The overall budget will stand at about 400 million NIS ($98.4 billion). The finance ministry’s decision follows a meeting between Finance Minister Betzalel Smotrich, senior ministry officials and leaders from the high-tech industry to discuss the impact of the war on the high-tech industry, the required steps in the current crisis, and long-term plans for the Israeli high-tech sector.
Israeli army arrests 46 Hamas members in West Bank raid
The army has arrested more than 1,000 suspects in the West Bank since the war began, including around 660 Hamas members.
UN: ‘Nowhere is safe in Gaza’
“For people who can’t evacuate – because they have nowhere to go or are unable to move – advance warnings make no difference. When the evacuation routes are bombed, when people north as well as south are caught up in hostilities, when the essentials for survival are lacking, and when there are no assurances for return, people are left with nothing but impossible choices. Nowhere is safe in Gaza,” UN Humanitarian Coordinator for the Occupied Palestinian Territory said
Netanyahu: IDF preparing for ground invasion
“We are raining down hellfire on Hamas. We have already eliminated thousands of terrorists – and this is only the beginning. At the same time, we are preparing for a ground incursion. I will not detail when, how or how many, or the overall considerations that we are taking into account, most of which are unknown to the public, and this is how it needs to be, in order to better safeguard the lives of our soldiers,” Netanyahu said in a speech to the nation.
“I would like to be clear. The timing of the IDF action will be determined unanimously by the War Cabinet, together with the IDF Chief-of-Staff. Together with the Security Cabinet, we are working to ensure the optimal conditions for our soldiers in the coming actions. When we go into Gaza, in the continuation of the fighting, we will exact the full price from the murderers, those who perpetrated Hamas-ISIS’s horrors. I again call on the non-combatant population in Gaza – evacuate to the southern Gaza Strip.”
The 2023 Sacks Conversation to be held in New York City on October 31; in person and webcast
On Tuesday, October 31, The Rabbi Sacks Legacy will host The 2023 Sacks Conversation at New York City’s Carnegie Hall.
The theme for this year’s event is “To Heal a Fractured World,” featuring a keynote from Shari Redstone. The emcee is Joe Lieberman, and speakers include Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Imam Abdullah Antepli, Rabbi Dr. Meir Soloveichik, and Gila Sacks, daughter of Rabbi Jonathan Sacks.
Click here for details.
At least one arrest made outside Scotland Yard as 1000 demand updated policing policies
Calls for “Enforce the law” and “Make arrests, not excuses” at protest rally organised by Campaign Against Antisemitism, as another “National March for Palestine” is called for this weekend.
Campaign Against Antisemitism chief executive, Gideon Falter, told a 1,000-strong multi-faith crowd: “Last Saturday saw an exhibition of Jew-hate as rarely seen before on the streets of London. Britain’s capital was effectively closed to Jewish people.
“We cannot and will not endure weekly processions featuring terrorist sympathisers and antisemites through our streets. We are fortunate to live in a country with the freedom to demonstrate, but there are limits set by law and those laws must be enforced. The demands of an unlawful mob must not supersede the rights of law-abiding citizens.”
Photo credit: Nathan Lilienfeld
Lord Ian Austin demanded that the forthcoming King’s speech be used to introduce new policing powers to strengthen the police response.
The leader of Christian Action Against Antisemitism described his treatment by police as they repeatedly told him that he and his supporters would be in danger if they proceeded with two solidarity rallies for British Jews, leading to their cancellation.
Israeli author and activist Hen Mazzig told the crowd: “My Israeli family asked if they should come to London for respite and safety after the terrorist atrocity, and I told them that I am not so sure that’s what they would find here.”
Israeli Opera soloists perform ‘Bring Him Home’ from Les Misérables in English and Ivrit
Two soloists from The Israeli Opera have recorded a version of the song Bring Him Home, from the musical Les Misérables.
Anat Czarny (mezzo soprano) and Oded Reich (baritone) sing in English and Hebrew in an empty auditorium, accompanied by David Sebba at the piano, who arranged the music.
A film of their performance has been published for World Opera Day, 25 October, which The Israeli Opera is not celebrating this year. The video, directed by Tal Almog, shows still and moving images of Israeli children who were taken captive by Hamas on 7 October, and walls of posters of the kidnapped youngsters.
Jewish Community briefing on Sunday at 6:30 pm
The Jewish Leadership Council, the British Board of Deputies, BICOM, UJIA and CST will be updating the community on the situation in Israel on Sunday evening.
They will also share information about their collective work and what you as community members can do to assist. Click here for info.
Israel ally Mike Johnson elected as US Speaker of the House
Republican Mike Johnson has been elected as the US Speaker of the House following a unanimous Republican vote.
Johnson is considered to be one of the most pro-Israel members of the United States Congress.
Israeli music fundraiser being held in London for MDA and Kibbutz Nir Oz
A charity concert of Israeli music, in Hebrew, is being held on Saturday 28 October, 8pm-9.30pm.
Concert for Hope will be “a moment to come together and sing the most loved Hebrew songs, thinking about Israel”, say the organisers. It will be in West Hampstead, NW6.
All the funds raised from the event will go directly to Magen David Adom and to Kibbutz Nir Oz families.
UPDATE: This event has now SOLD OUT
Londoners rally tonight at Scotland Yard demanding police uphold the law
Campaign Against Antisemitism reports that a group will be seeking police action as another ‘National March for Palestine’ is planned through London for this weekend.
In a statement, the organisation says:
“The Metropolitan Police Service, like police forces across the country, has a responsibility to defend every community, including the Jewish community, which is all too familiar with the threats that face it.
“What we have seen over the past two-and-a-half weeks, however, is an unprecedented 1,350% surge in antisemitic hate crimes met with relative inaction on the part of the police.
“Too few arrests, lax policing, and excuses posted on social media for why certain chants and signs and phrases are not hate crimes — all to the incredulity of the Jewish community, the mainstream media and the Government.
“As Jews, we are enormously grateful to the police for protecting our Jewish community and for keeping our cities safe. But over the past two weeks, our cities have felt less and less safe for Jews.
“It has hardly been reassuring to see such lax policing of demonstrations featuring genocidal chants, antisemitic signs, calls for Jihad against the Jewish state, and more. Given that a “March for Palestine” and other demonstrations are planned for this weekend and are likely to continue week after week, the Met must be seen to make urgent changes to its policing policy.
“It adds insult to injury when the police take so little action against offenders on these marches but still find the time to stop our digital vans from displaying the faces of children taken captive by Hamas, to raise awareness of their plight, from driving around London.
“Londoners of all faiths are demonstrating this evening to show the depth of feeling.”
The rally will be held at New Scotland Yard, Victoria Embankment, London SW1A 2JL
Germany bans antisemites from acquiring citizenship
“Our draft for the new citizenship law, which we will now discuss in the Bundestag, provides a clear exclusion of anti-Semites,” German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser said.
Yad Vashem slams UN chief for Hamas remarks
“The slaughter of Jews by Hamas on October 7 was genocidal in its intents and immeasurably brutal in its form. Part of why it differs from the Holocaust is because Jews have today a state and an army. We are not defenceless and at the mercy of others,” Yad Vashem chief Danny Dayan said.
“However, it puts to test the sincerity of world leaders, intellectuals and influencers that come to Yad Vashem and pledge ‘Never Again.’ Those who seek to ‘understand,’ look for a justifying context, do not categorically condemn the perpetrators, and do not call for the unconditional and immediate release of the abducted – fail the test. UN Secretary General António Guterres failed the test,”he added.
Turkey’s Erdogan: Hamas is not a terrorist organisation
“Hamas is not a terrorist organisation, it is a group of mujahideen defending their lands. Targeting our Palestinian brothers, including children, patients and the elderly, even in schools, hospitals and mosques, is a crime against humanity,” Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said.
StandWithUs UK hosts Rabbi Leo Dee
StandWithUs UK hosted Rabbi Leo Dee with other communal and student leaders in a gathering of solidarity and unity on Monday evening.
Represented at the gathering were leaders from the Board of Deputies, UJIA, the S&P Sephardi Community, Israel Bonds and other key communal groups.
Edwin Shuker, vice president of the Board of Deputies said: “Rabbi Leo Dee combines a unique blend of spirituality with pragmatism. He has managed to turn a personal tragedy into inspiration and grief into hope”.
Pic: StandWithUs
In his address, Rabbi Dee encouraged leaders in the community to go out and educate their communities and supporters on Israel, as well as to support as much as we can the ability for young people to create and share educational content with their circles. He emphasised how important it was for each organisations to frame the war as one of ‘good versus evil’.
Isaac Zarfati, executive director for StandWithUs UK, said: “Rabbi Leo Dee is an inspirational figure. His personal story encapsulates the struggle of the Jewish people in their homeland. The optimism and wisdom that emanate from him strengthen all of us in the righteous struggle we are currently engaged in.”
This event was part of StandWithUs UK’s efforts to engage with the community, providing them with the necessary support during these critical times.
Blake Ezra hosts award-winning Israel educator Samuel Green
50 people gathered in north London last week in the home of Blake and Yamit Ezra to hear from award-winning Israel educator Samuel Green.
Samuel flew to the UK shortly after the outbreak of the war with Gaza and has been lecturing in homes, schools, religious institutions and workplaces about the history of the Gaza Strip and his experiences of the war. The Ezra family hosted a mixture of Jewish and non-Jewish friends who were interested in learning more about the situation.
Pic: Blake Ezra
Blake, himself a graduate of Middle Eastern Studies, opened the evening by sharing his thoughts and fears about the situation in Israel and the rise in anti-Semitism in the UK, before Samuel delivered his lecture and then they took questions together.
“Samuel delivered a clear and concise history of the situation in Gaza together with a powerful account of his personal experiences that left a lasting impression on all of us,” said Blake.
Samuel is available for talks in the UK and can be found on Instagram at @myisraeliguide. Blake is best known as a photographer, but uses his large platform to educate on the situation, and can be found on Instagram at @blakeezraphoto.
Israel calls for UN secretary general to resign
Following UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres’ speech in which he said it was “important to also recognise the attacks by Hamas did not happen in a vacuum”, Israel has called on him to resign.
Our full story is here
Scottish Government ‘unequivocally condemns abhorrent Hamas’
Scotland’s First Minister Humza Yousaf has said that the Scottish Government “unequivocally condemns the abhorrent terrorist attacks of Hamas”.
Giving a statement at the Scottish Parliament on Tuesday, he said: “Let us unite in unequivocally condemning the terror Hamas unleashed on the 7th of October in southern Israel.
“The more we learn about Hamas’s barbaric attacks which took place on the Jewish sabbath, on a Jewish holy day, the more we are sickened by their brutality.”
He said that Israel, like every other country in the world, has a right to protect itself from terror but that it must be done within the confines of international law.
He added: “The Scottish Government reiterates our call for hostages to be released, for an immediate ceasefire, for an end to collective punishment, for more aid to be allowed into Gaza, and for those who want to leave to be given safe passage.”
Irish Government has no plans to expel Israel’s ambassador
Ireland’s premier Leo Varadkar has made clear the Irish Government has no plans to expel Israel’s ambassador.
The Taoiseach was responding to a call from opposition party People Before Profit in the Dail following controversial remarks by ambassador Dana Erlich.
Ms Erlich told the Sunday Independent at the weekend that she was frustrated at what she said was “misinformation” shared by President Michael D Higgins in relation to whether Israel had breached international law. She also said that Ireland was not a neutral country in relation to Israel-Palestine.
“In relation to the ambassador, we don’t have any plans to expel any ambassador,” Mr Varadkar told the Dail.
IDF ground offensive ‘delayed by strategic considerations’
IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi: “Israel is in the midst of a war that was launched by the Hamas terror group. It already regrets it. We’ve prepared for this. The IDF and the Southern Command have prepared quality offensive plans to achieve the goals of the war. The IDF is ready for the manoeuvre, and we will make a decision with the political echelon regarding the shape and timing of the next stage.”
Woman’s release ‘gives hope’ to families of Hamas hostages
A British psychotherapist whose elderly mother is being held hostage by Hamas has said the recent release of another Briton’s mother gives him “some hope” for the future.
Noam Sagi’s 75-year-old mother Ada was taken hostage after the militant group entered Kibbutz Nir Oz near the border with Gaza on October 7.
Speaking after a press conference at the Israeli embassy on Tuesday, he described the release of London-based Sharon Lifschitz’s mother Yocheved as the “best bit of news” he has had since the invasion.
He told the PA news agency: “She is a very, very dear friend and a close member of the community where I grew up.
“I am intensely happy. It is the best bit of news that I have had since all this started.
“I am very, very happy that she is back in safe hands. It gives me hope of course.
“It is a paradoxical situation; we are speaking about crimes against humanity but we are expecting humanity to prevail.”
IDF chief: ‘Tactical and even strategic considerations’ delaying ground offensive
“The IDF is ready for the (ground) maneuver, and we will make a decision with the political echelon regarding the shape and timing of the next stage,” IDF chief Herzl Halevi said.
“We are making use of every minute to be even more prepared. And every minute that passes on the other side, we strike the enemy even more. Killing terrorists, destroying infrastructure, collecting more intelligence for the next stage,” he added.
UN agency says 35 staff members killed in Gaza so far
WHO Director General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, said: “I’m speechless over this tragedy. We cannot say loud enough how much a ceasefire is needed in Gaza to stop the suffering of civilians and humanitarians.”
Newham’s community and faith leaders join together in hope.
Newham moment of reflection, Sunday 22nd October 2023
Together with other community and faith leaders, the Mayor of Newham led a moment of reflection in Stratford on Sunday 22nd October as part of an interfaith candlelight vigil bringing residents together from across Newham.
The event was held at St John’s Church in Stratford, with a prayer given by The Right Reverend Monsignor John Armitage from St Margaret’s Catholic Church in the parish of Canning Town; and words of hope given by Edwin Shuker, vice-president of the Board of Deputies of British Jews and Dr Farzana Hussain from the Project Surgery in Plaistow.
Cllr Canon Ann Easter, the Commissioner for Interfaith and Interreligious Dialogue at Newham Council, led a candlelight vigil for all lives lost and hostages taken by terrorist group Hamas.
Edwin Shuker, a prominent member of the Iraqi Jewish community in the UK said: “We must not allow the Jew haters to sever and destroy the ties built over decades between the British Jewish community and our compatriots of all faiths and none.”
Rokhsana Fiaz OBE, Mayor of Newham, said: “Our greatest strength is the diversity of our people and our community in Newham must be our hope. A big concern for all of us is the impact that the war is having on our communities in Newham, from all faiths and none. As well as the dangerous surge in antisemitism and Islamophobia, we know that there are attempts to try to tear our communities apart, when we need to come together as a community to provide comfort, encourage dialogue to deepen understanding, respect and peace.”
“Our interfaith vigil was a truly beautiful moment, with heartfelt speeches from faith leaders and guests from our Christian, Jewish and Muslim communities providing hope and light in this moment of darkness facing the world.”
France’s Macron in Israel: First priority is to release all hostages
“The first objective we should have today is the release of all hostages, without any distinction, because this is an awful crime to play with these lives of children, adults, old people, civilians and soldiers,” French President Emmanuel Macron said.
IDF asks Gaza residents to provide information on hostages
“If you want a better future for you and your children, take action and provide us with solid and useful information as soon as possible regarding the hostages in your area. The Israeli army assures you that it will put forth maximum effort to provide you and your home with security, as well as a financial reward. We guarantee you complete confidentiality,” the message says.
Refugee scheme for Palestinian people is not the “right response”
A refugee scheme for Palestinian people is not the “right response” at this stage of the conflict in the Middle East, a minister has said, despite calls from British charities for the provision of safe passage.
Netanyahu: Gaza is ‘an enclave of ISIS’
“We are doing everything we need to do to destroy Hamas in Gaza. We will dismantle its terror machine, we will dismantle its political structure. We will make every effort to release our hostages. And we will take every effort to keep Palestinian civilians out of harm’s way,” Netanyahu said.
“As in the Second World War, when the French supported the anti-Nazi resistance, today the international community is uniting in support of Israel. Hamas barbarism threatens the Jews, it threatens the Middle East, it threatens Europe, it threatens the world,” he added.
Released hostage’s daughter Sharone Lifschitz speaking to the BBC
Sharone Lifschitz told the BBC that her father, who is still thought to be held hostage in Gaza, regularly drove Palestinians to Israeli hospitals for treatment.
She said: “He was part of a local organisation. It’s the tragedy that so many of the people killed were the immediate neighbours of Gaza who truly believed in working towards peace and who thought that was very much possible.
“It’s a twist of history that these peace-loving communities were the ones that sustained such a horrendous massacre.”
Six British nationals still missing
There are thought to be six British nationals still being held hostage by Hamas, a UK Government minister has revealed, after two more captives were released yesterday. Sharone Lifschitz’s mother Yocheved Lifshitz, 85, and Nurit Cooper, 79, were released after being kidnapped and taken to Gaza on 7 October.
Sharone Lifschitz said her mother does not yet know about the destruction of her kibbutz.
She told the BBC: “I am not there yet – we don’t have a plan. It’s so off the scale.
“We are just trying to live one day at the time. It’s just about getting the rest (of them). That will be my mum’s priority.
“She was sitting with people she knew all her life – the children and grandchildren of her friends “
Minister: Hamas’s useful idiots on uni campuses represent a fifth column
There are a number of “Hamas’s useful idiots” on some university campuses who “represent a fifth column supporting terrorism”, an education minister has said.
Robert Halfon was speaking in the Commons as MPs raised concerns over antisemitism and what one described as the “glorification” of the terror attack on Israel on university campuses.
Education Secretary Gillian Keegan told MPs she has written to schools, colleges and universities reminding them of their duties under the Government’s anti-terror Prevent programme and to underscore that antisemitism will not be tolerated.
She said that “disturbingly” she had seen evidence of students and academics appearing to support Hamas.
The remarks came during a session of questions to education ministers in the Commons, where a number of MPs raised concerns over the impact for both Jewish and Muslim students of the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Conservative MP Bob Blackman (Harrow East) said: “In the wake of the massacre that occurred in Israel… the cases of antisemitism in this country have risen by 582%.
BREAKING: Two further hostages to be released
Terror group Hamas claims it is preparing to release two female hostages by tomorrow.
‘Kidnapped’ posters torn down in St John’s Wood
Georgia Walters, Tom Cantor and Annabel Sutton who went to the rally in Trafalgar Square yesterday collected posters from attendees and put them up in St John’s Wood High Street last night. Within the hour a few were removed and by this morning most had been torn down and left on top of a wheelie bin.
Tube driver suspended over ‘Free Palestine’ chant
TfL confirms the employee has been removed after video emerged on Saturday.
No plans for more police powers over ‘jihad’ chants, signals Sunak
Police are unlikely to be given more powers to address chants deemed to be extremist after comments at a Palestine rally over the weekend, the Prime Minister has signalled.
That is despite suggestions from the Metropolitan Police chief that laws may need to be redrawn, amid concerns about gaps in current anti-extremism legislation.
Rishi Sunak duels with Jeremy Corbyn over past description of Hamas as ‘friends’
The Prime Minister has clashed with Jeremy Corbyn in the Commons, criticising the former Labour leader for describing Hamas as “friends” in the past.
Rishi Sunak said that Hamas, which is designated as a terror organisation by the UK Government, had “perpetrated an absolutely appalling act of terrorism on over a thousand people” in response to calls from Independent MP Mr Corbyn for a ceasefire.
The Islington North MP has previously said he regrets the comments from 2009, in which he described both Hezbollah and Hamas as friends.
As Mr Sunak updated MPs on his recent visit to Israel, Mr Corbyn condemned Hamas’ attacks on Israel in early October.
“The killings on October 7 were appalling and they have to be totally condemned as everyone has done today,” he said.
Mr Corbyn added: “The loss, however, of 5,000 Palestinian lives in Gaza is continuing and getting worse.
“The question is, why did the Prime Minister instruct Britain’s representative at the UN not to support the call for a very minimal thing, which is a humanitarian pause to allow aid to go in, and a ceasefire to take place to start to bring about a process of peace.
“Ultimately that is the only way forward, ultimately the only way forward is the end of the occupation, ultimately the only way forward is recognition of the rights of the people of Palestine.”
Mr Sunak responded: “Our regional diplomatic engagement has extensively been focused about how we can bring about a better, brighter future for the people of Palestine and the Palestinians.
“But I would say to him, I am surprised he hasn’t made any reference to the fact that an organisation that he once described as a ‘friend’ has perpetrated an absolutely appalling act of terrorism on over a thousand people.”
No plans to give police more powers after outcry over ‘jihad’ chants
Police are unlikely to be given more powers to address chants deemed to be extremist after comments at a Palestine rally over the weekend, Downing Street has signalled.
It comes as Home Secretary Suella Braverman met Scotland Yard chief Sir Mark Rowley to urge the use of the “full force of the law” after video emerged of a pro-Palestinian protester chanting “jihad”.
WATCH: Jewish News editor on ‘jihad’ protest chants and Israel solidarity rally
Watch a clip of Monday afternoon’s GB News interview with Richard Ferrer HERE
Emily Thornberry speaks at Islington synagogue
On a visit to a synagogue at the weekend, Islington South MP Emily Thornberry said that when the borough lost 12 people to terrorism in the 7/7 bombings in 2005, it expected “the whole world to stand with us”, writes Beatrice Sayers.
The shadow attorney general also told the congregation at the Chabad shul that while it was vital to speak out against terrorism, it was also important for politicians to be even-handed.
Thornberry was attending a Q&A session following the Shabbat morning service at the only synagogue in her constituency, at the invitation of its rabbi, Mendy Korer.
“I’ve always done my absolute utmost personally to be as even-handed as I possibly can and have never, I hope, fallen for the siren voices who say on issues like this, ‘Pick a side,’” the MP said. “I don’t want to pick a side.”
She was asked by the rabbi about community members saying they felt unsafe as a result of the protests and chants on London’s streets over the past two weeks. Thornberry said: “I suspect that the vast majority of the people who chant ‘Free Gaza’ would expect there to be a two-state solution, and they’re not one-stateists and not people who wish Israelis to be pushed into the sea.”
A community member in the neighbouring constituency of Islington North, represented by Jeremy Corbyn (now an independent MP), said she was concerned that he had not deleted his tweet, whose contents are generally agreed to be false: “Israeli airstrikes have hit Al Ahli hospital in Gaza. More than 500 people – patients, doctors & those sheltering – have been killed.”
Thornberry commented that Corbyn showed double standards and had a “clarity” on waiting for evidence in some instances but not in others. For example, when it came to the Salisbury poisonings in 2018, he did not condemn them immediately as being the Russians and wanted there to be evidence: “How is that consistent if he takes the view he does in relation to the hospital?”
Transport for London: ‘We will scrutinise the footage’
Statement from Transport for London, following Palestine chant on tannoy by tube driver.
Statement from TFL.
Jewish students faced ‘an anti-Jewish mob vocalising their desire for an intifada against Jewish people’
University College London student tells Jewish News ‘the demonstrators were shouting through a megaphone the slogan ‘Intifada until victory’.
Click here for the full story.
Maureen Lipman says artists should feel shame for stance on Gaza
Dame Maureen Lipman has said artists should feel “shame” for advocating for Palestinians following the Hamas attack on Israel.
Oscar-winning actress Tilda Swinton, Game Of Thrones star Charles Dance, I’m Alan Partridge star Steve Coogan and Harry Potter actress Miriam Margolyes are among more than 2,000 artists to back an open call for humanitarian support in Gaza.
The letter, written by Artists For Palestine UK, calls for “an immediate ceasefire and the opening of Gaza’s crossings to allow humanitarian aid to enter unhindered”.
It has also urged governments to “end their military and political support for Israel’s actions”.
On the front page of Monday’s Daily Telegraph, Dame Maureen said liberal artists have espoused the Palestinian “cause at the expense of every other oppressed people of the world”.
She added: “The Palestinians are not Hamas, I agree; they just elected them. And, 17 years later, Hamas has done nothing for the Palestinians save stealing the millions donated in aid money while keeping them in penury.”
Hamas won parliamentary elections in 2006 and has not held a public vote for representatives in Gaza since.
Dame Maureen also said: “I would love the signaturists to answer me this question: If your beloved country had been under attack for 70 years… how angry and exhausted and how determined to defend your country against any future attacks would you be?”
No Israel or Palestine flags will allowed into Tottenham’s stadium on Monday
No Israel or Palestine flags will be allowed into Tottenham’s stadium on Monday, which was a club-wide move by the Premier League in an attempt to ease any potential tension among supporters during this weekend.
A minute’s silence has occurred in all top-flight matches but Postecoglou was eager to focus on football in its purest form when quizzed about the feeling of fans affected by the Israel-Hamas war.
He added: “When we go out there on Monday night there will be 60,000 – and hundreds of thousands around the world – who just want to see their football team play some exciting football and win a game and give them that joy that only football can bring.
“Because, you know, when you score in that last minute to win a game of football, you don’t care who is next to you. Do you?
“You don’t care where they come from, what they think or what they believe. You are united as one for that moment. That’s what football provides.”
Postecoglou did also reveal support is on hand for Israel international Manor Solomon, who is currently out with a knee injury while the war is impacting his home nation.
“Not specifically (about the war). I have spoken to Manor because he’s dealing with a couple of things. He has just had his surgery as well. I have been helping him through that process,” the Spurs boss revealed.
“Again, it’s not about me trying to extract information from him. I am there.
“He’s going through what he is going through, like a lot of people in his position. Hopefully like I said, he feels like there’s a place here where he feels if he needs some extra help or guidance, we can give it to him.”
UK teenager Noiya Sharabi murdered in same attack that killed sister
The family of British 16-year-old Noiya Sharabi have said that she was murdered in the same Hamas attack that her 13-year-old sister and mother were killed in.
UK ‘working intensively’ to free Britons trapped at border crossing
The UK is working intensively to allow Britons trapped in Gaza to leave but the border crossing remains closed because of Egypt’s legitimate concerns, ministers said.
Amnesty International UK: Brutal attacks against Israeli civilians were war crimes
Amnesty International UK chief executive Sacha Deshmukh said: “It is right that the Prime Minister and other leading UK politicians are calling for restoring water and humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza.
“But the fact that neither the Government nor the main opposition party are willing to condemn Israel’s clear breaches of international law is wrong and fails to hold Israel to account in a consistent way.
“The brutal attacks against Israeli civilians by Palestinian armed groups were war crimes.
“But Israel is responding to war crimes with more war crimes, which can never be justified, rationalised, or ignored. UK politicians must explicitly oppose all war crimes, whether by Palestinian armed groups or the Israeli authorities.”
Government to speak to Met about why no action taken over ‘Jihad’ chant video
Chanting “Jihad” on the streets of London is “inciting terrorist violence” and the Government will speak to the Metropolitan Police about its decision not to act over a video showing protesters, a Cabinet minister has said.
The force said no offences were identified in a video of a Hizb ut-Tahrir Britain protest showing a man chanting “Jihad”.
Immigration minister Robert Jenrick said “a lot of people” will find the Met’s analysis “surprising”, adding: “That’s something that we intend to raise with them and to discuss this incident with them.”
A video posted on social media shows a man speaking into a microphone in front of a banner reading “Muslim Armies! Rescue the People of Palestine”, with the name of the group “Hizb ut-Tahrir Britain” on it.
Updated number of Israeli hostages in Gaza
The number of people being held now stands at 212.
Israel to evacuate 14 more communities on Lebanon border
IDF strikes terror cells carrying out new missile attacks; military spokesman says Iran-backed group risks ‘dragging Lebanon into a war’
Former director general of BBC: In a crisis, BBC gets attacked by both sides
The former director general of the BBC has said that the corporation “always gets attacked in times of crisis” and suggested that criticism of its reporting on the Israel and Hamas conflict is inevitable.
Greg Dyke told Sky News: “At times of crisis, the BBC always gets attacked by both sides, always, go back to Falklands.
“I seem to remember back in the Falklands (war), (Prime Minister) Mrs. (Margaret) Thatcher attacked the BBC for not saying that ‘our boys’ as opposed to British troops.
“I think (the message) for the BBC (is)… ‘Don’t lose your nerve, keep trying.”
He added that Israel ambassador’s complaints to the BBC “outnumbered everyone else” during his time leading the corporation.
UK working on getting trapped Britons out of Gaza as humanitarian crisis unfolds
The UK is working intensively to allow Britons trapped in Gaza to leave but the border crossing remains closed because of Egypt’s legitimate concerns, ministers said.
Immigration minister Robert Jenrick said opening the Rafah crossing to allow aid into Gaza and foreign nationals to escape the humanitarian crisis unfolding there is a priority.
Former PA minister Hanan Ashrawi on 7 October horrors: ‘Call that a massacre?’
Speaking to BBC News on Sunday about Israel’s response to the 7 October attacks that killed 1,400 civilians, former Palestinian Authority minister of higher education and research Hanan Ashrawi said: “Call that a massacre? You should see what Israel does.”
Labour’s Lisa Nandy ‘understands why party faced backlash from some Muslims
Labour frontbencher Lisa Nandy said she understood why the party had faced a backlash from Muslim members over Sir Keir Starmer’s comments on Israel.
The Labour leader appeared to suggest on an LBC interview that “Israel does have that right” to cut off power and water, before later clarifying that he was referring to Israel’s right to defend itself.
Asked if she understood why some Muslim Labour members felt alienated by his comments, shadow international development minister Ms Nandy told the BBC: “I completely understand why people in the Muslim community are in extraordinary amounts of pain right now and heard those words and felt very concerned and I’m glad that we’ve clarified that, I’m glad that we’ve been consistent about that.”
She repeatedly declined to say whether she believed Israel had broken international law by laying siege to Gaza. “I’m not going to sit in your studio and grandstand and tell you that I’m going to make big pronouncements about what Israel is and isn’t doing in what is a very complex, difficult situation,” she said. “Israel is still having rockets fired against its own people from a proscribed terrorist organisation and where you’ve got 200 hostages sitting in basements in Gaza who haven’t yet been released.
“What we’ve got to ensure is that international law is upheld. That’s why the 20 trucks that went into Gaza were very important yesterday, but not sufficient and that’s why all of our efforts are focused on keeping that window open, keeping that crossing open and scaling up those efforts urgently.
“There is a humanitarian catastrophe looming for people in Gaza. And that’s where we’ve got to focus.”
Actor Steve Coogan says he condemns Hamas’s attacks on Israel
Actor Steve Coogan has said he condemns Hamas’s attacks on Israel following criticism over an open letter he signed calling for a ceasefire in Gaza and for the government to “end their military and political support for Israel’s action”.
More than 2,000 actors and musicians signed the letter but it was criticised for NOT MENTIONING Hamas and the attacks on Israeli citizens.
In a statement on Sunday, Coogan said: “I do of course condemn the recent Hamas terrorist attacks on Israel; their deliberate murder of civilians and their taking of hostages. All right thinking people do.
“The Jewish people have been uniquely the target of hate and prejudice for millennia and anyone who cares about human rights should be vigilant and call it out when they encounter it.”
Without explaining why he agreed to sign a letter with no mention of Hamas in the first place, he added: “It goes without saying that what Hamas did is evil beyond imagination. It was horrific and brutal.
“It is in no way inconsistent with condemnation of the Hamas atrocity, to express grave concern for the lives and welfare of innocent Palestinian civilians facing a humanitarian disaster, deprived of food, water, medicine fuel and shelter.”
Palestinian ambassador: People who intimidate Jews ‘should shut up’
The Palestinian ambassador to the UK has said people attending demonstrations to sow division and intimidate Jews instead of supporting Palestine “should shut up”.
It was put to Husam Zomlot that some people have carried Hamas flags and chanted slogans that are “intimidating” for Jewish people, while two women had pictures of paragliders taped to the back of their jackets in apparent support for Hamas.
He told Sky News’ Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips programme: “This is abhorrent, unacceptable. Those people hijack our cause for their own twisted logic.
“The Jewish people have nothing to do with it. This is not a religious conflict. Many of those who demonstrated for Palestine yesterday were Jews.
“Many of those strong voices are the Jewish people defending us.
“Those who have hate in their hearts for Jews would have hate in their hearts for Muslims and Christians, we have nothing to do with them and they should shut up.”
The Metropolitan Police said officers are outside the Israeli Embassy
“Officers are on scene on Kensington Hight Street, Bayswater Road and outside the Israeli Embassy,” the force said in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter.
“There are groups of protesters on both Kensington High Street and Bayswater Road who officers are engaging with.”
Professor sorry for saying he was “exhilarated” by Hamas’ terror attack
A Cornell University professor has apologised after saying at a rally that he was “exhilarated” by Hamas’ terror attack on Israel, in the latest example of American university faculty caught up in heated rhetoric over Israel and Gaza on college campuses.
The apology by Russell Rickford, a history professor, was published the same day as another apology from a different university professor in Chicago over her own anti-Israel social media comments.
Both appear to have been prompted by condemnations from their respective university presidents, which came as donors have pulled support from other elite universities over their perceived failure to sufficiently or promptly condemn the attacks.
WATCH: At rally in Milan protesters chant ‘Kill the Jews’ in Italian
At a pro-Palestinian rally in Milan this afternoon protesters could be heard singing a chant which translates as: “Open us the borders, so we can kill the Zionists, Open up the borders, so we can kill the Jews.”
Police make two arrests after fireworks aimed at officers
The Metropolitan Police said: “Whitehall is now mostly clear with a small demonstration remaining at the gates to Downing Street.
“Officers are now focusing their efforts on clearing Trafalgar Square, as fireworks have been launched at officers from within the crowd.
“Two arrests have been made for offences under the Explosives Act 1875.”
Tube staff urged to focus on ‘day job’ after ‘driver leads free Palestine chant’
A Tube driver has been criticised for leading a chant of “free, free Palestine” on a London Underground train.
Minister for London Paul Scully said staff should “focus on the day job” and warned against stoking tension in the capital.
As around 100,000 protesters took part in a pro-Palestinian demonstration, footage posted online by journalist Ruby Lott-Lavigna appeared to show the chant being led over the train’s speaker system.
The driver of the Central line service said “free, free” to which the passengers responded “Palestine” – a popular chant at protests.
Tory minister Mr Scully said: “At a time when there’s not enough emphasis on the difference between the horrific terrorist attacks by Hamas and the legitimate concerns of Palestinians in Gaza, it’s really important that Londoners don’t stoke the tension in our capital where Jews live peacefully alongside Muslims.
“Informed protest can bring change. But on-trend bandwagons can cause rifts and fear in communities, increasing the threat to the safety of some passengers travelling among those crowds.”
He suggested Labour mayor Sadiq Khan and Transport for London (TfL) “need to get staff focused on the day job of safely moving people from A to B”.
Marble Arch protest: Chants included ‘Judaism yes, Zionism no, the state of Israel must go’
Thousands of protesters gathered at Marble Arch in central London on Saturday as part of a pro-Palestine march.
Attendees held signs that read “Freedom for Palestine” and “Stop Bombing Gaza”.
Chants included “Judaism yes, Zionism no, the state of Israel must go”, and “5, 6, 7, 8, Israel is a terrorist state”.
The platform at Marble Arch Tube station was briefly closed due to the crowds.
WATCH: Tube driver leads a chant of ‘Free Palestine’ over the tannoy in London
Passengers could be heard singing along on the packed train. Click here to see. It is thought that many of the passengers were travelling to today’s protest rally in support of Palestinian civilians.
WATCH: Pianist Kevin Chen opens Carnegie Hall recital with Hatikvah
Kevin Chen, winner of the 2023 Rubinstein Competition, opens his recital 19 October at Carnegie Hall with Hatikvah.
Kevin Chen, winner of the 2023 Rubinstein Competition, opens his recital 19th October at Carnegie Hall with Hatikvah ???????????????? #BringThemHome #AmYisraelChai
Posted by Judith Ornstein on Saturday, October 21, 2023
‘700,000 people in the north of Gaza have moved south’
IDF update from Tel Aviv: “So far 700,000 people in the north of Gaza have moved south. Humanitarian supplies, food, water and medicine, has arrived in the southern part of the strip – we have not let in any petrol.”
IDF spokesperson update: IDF fatalities now stands at 307
“There have been 307 IDF fatalities,” the spokesperson confirms, while also amending the number of known hostages to 210.
Hostage numbers updated – now stands at 210
IDF spokesperson update on the situation on the ground:
“We have updated the number of hostages taken – it now stands at 210. Our mission is to bring them home.”
Pro-Palestine marchers warned: ‘Be mindful of the distress felt by many in UK’
Downing Street has urged people attending today’s pro-Palestine marches to “be mindful” of the “fear and distress felt by many families in this country”.
A No 10 spokeswoman said demonstrators must be “free to peacefully express their views”, but that police should “take the strongest action” where antisemitism and other forms of hate are promoted.
“We’re clear that people must remain free to peacefully express their views and protest is an important part of our democracy, but we also recognise that this is clearly a deeply distressing time for many, and we would appeal to everyone across the country and those who are considering joining these protests to be mindful of that – and to consider the fear and distress felt by many families in this country over the distressing events that we’ve seen,” she said.
Rockets launched at southern Israel
Times of Israel: Warning sirens sound in several Gaza border communities. The Magen David Adom rescue service says there are no immediate reports of direct hits or injuries.
Gaza aid contingent on preventing misuse by Hamas
Aid has begun to flow into Gaza after the border crossing with Egypt was opened, with Foreign Secretary James Cleverly saying it was a “lifeline”.
More than 300 aid trucks usually enter Gaza every day from Israel, with Hamas using them to smuggle weapons and explosives inside items such as speakers, shoes and tyres.
This picture was taken at the Kerem crossing on the southern border in July.
Egypt hosting summit on Israel-Hamas war
Egypt is hosting dozens of regional leaders and senior Western officials for a summit on the war between Israel and Palestinian terror groups in Gaza.
The meeting today in Egypt’s New Administrative Capital, just east of Cairo, will discuss ways to de-escalate the fighting and seek a cease-fire amid mounting concerns about a regional conflict, Egypt’s state-run media reports. Among those attending the summit are the leaders of Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and the Palestinian Authority.
Man held on suspicion of supporting Hamas as pro-Palestine protest due
A 31-year-old man arrested on suspicion of supporting Hamas during a protest in Whitehall has been bailed by police as Palestinian supporters are expected to take to the streets in London on Saturday.
The suspect was arrested by the Metropolitan Police for allegedly carrying a banner supporting the proscribed organisation Hamas on Tuesday which is an offence under section 13 of the Terrorism Act.
He was also later arrested on suspicion of inviting support for a proscribed organisation under Section 12 of the Terrorism Act 2000.
A Met Police spokesman said: “The man was taken into custody at a London police station, and later bailed to a date in November.
“As part of the investigation, being led by the Met’s Counter-Terrorism Command, officers conducted searches at addresses in east London and in County Durham.
“Inquiries are ongoing.”
Antisemitic offences in London increase by over 1,000%
Antisemitic offences in London have increased by over 1,000% this month compared to last year, police have said.
And since the Hamas attack on Israel, Tell Mama (Measuring Anti-Muslim Attacks) has recorded a six-fold increase in reports compared to the same period last year.
The Metropolitan Police said there had been “a significant increase in hate crime across London” and that officers had made 21 arrests for hate crime offences, amid the Israel-Hamas war.
These arrests included a man detained on suspicion of defacing posters of missing Israelis in Camden and another man in relation to 10 incidents of Islamophobic graffiti on bus stops in New Malden and Raynes Park.
The Metropolitan Police said there had been 218 antisemitic offences between October 1 and 18, compared to 15 in the same period last year – an increase of 1,353%.
Palestinian supporters to march in London as Gaza aid efforts intensify
Thousands of Palestinian supporters are expected to converge on Downing Street on Saturday as diplomatic efforts intensify to allow access for humanitarian aid to Gaza and secure the release of hostages.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced following his meetings with Middle East leaders that the Rafah border crossing between Egypt and Gaza should be reopening “imminently” and he had discussed how the UK could offer support “on the ground” to get aid into the besieged territory.
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Resigning Oxford City councillors say party leadership ‘complicit in war crimes’
Six Labour councillors on Oxford City Council have resigned after remarks from party leadership on the Israel-Hamas conflict sparked concern.
Councillors Imogen Thomas, Edward Mundy, Paula Dunne, Duncan Hall, Dr Hosnieh Djafari-Marbini and Jabu Nala-Hartley said on Friday they were stepping down from the party in the wake of Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer appearing to suggest that Israel has “the right” to withhold energy and water from Gaza.
The councillors said in a statement: “At a time when it’s been crucial to call for an immediate ceasefire and a de-escalation, and to insist Israel abides by international law, Keir Starmer and the shadow Foreign Secretary have instead endorsed collective punishment, blockade, siege and mass civilian casualties.
“As Starmer has said, ‘Israel has that right’ to continue deadly attacks on Gazans. This is complicity in war crimes.
Gaza humanitarian access ‘must not be one-off’, says Cleverly
Aid has begun to flow into Gaza after the border crossing with Egypt was opened, with Foreign Secretary James Cleverly saying it was a “lifeline” for those suffering in the territory.
But he said the opening of the Rafah crossing could not be a one-off event and he would continue to push for humanitarian access to Gaza.
The Gaza Strip has been besieged and bombarded by Israel after its Hamas rulers launched a series of terrorist raids on October 7.
The Rafah border crossing with Egypt was opened on Saturday morning to let desperately needed aid flow to Palestinians running short of food, medicine and water in the territory.
More than 200 trucks carrying roughly 3,000 tons of aid had been positioned near the crossing for days before heading into Gaza.
On the Gaza side of the border, hundreds of foreign passport-holders have been trying to leave the besieged territory.
Verbal abuse and intimidation – a year’s worth of antisemitic incidents on campus since 7th October
With reports of messages like ‘f*****g dirty Jewish c***s’ and ‘murdering b******s’, Union of Jewish Students (UJS) received 150 calls from anxious students in a two week period
Click here for the full story.
Adopt a soldier for £525 – Londoners kitting out IDF soldiers on the front line
Three members of the Jewish community have, over the course of the past two weeks, raised £40,000 across various fund raising initiatives to provide vital pieces of equipment to Israeli soldiers.
Many of them are lone soldiers. All soldiers are personally known to them and have come from units including the Medical Corps, Paratrooper Brigade, Kfir Brigade, Givati Brigade and the Oz Brigade (Commandos).
Speaking to Jewish News, a spokesperson for the group said:
“We are looking to equip soldiers who we know and their colleagues from the above units with full sets of decent tactical gear. £525 will allow us to provide:
2 x Tactical shirts
Combat boots
2 sets of high quality socks
Cold weather waterproof jackets
Waterproof jackets
Fleeces
Headlamps
Medical pouches
CAT tourniquets
Bandages
“To provide one soldier with the above would cost £525. There are of course more items we would love to send, such as backpacks and other tactical gear but this is what we are being asked to provide as a priority.
“We have the network to get these things to Israel and the units who are asking for them.
“If you can help, please use this link to give what you can. If you want to discuss more about our work then please contact us.
If you have already given then please share this with your network.
https://pay.collctiv.com/kit-for-the-troops-95919
UJIA, Leket Israel and United Synagogue partner to provide hot Shabbat meals for evacuees
The United Synagogue has teamed up with UJIA and Leket Israel to provide thousands of meals to people in need.
“An act of kindness you can do right now, if you’re able, is to help provide hot Shabbat meals for people evacuated from southern communities in Israel.”
The cost for a family of five is £25, but if you can, they are asking if you can cover the cost of 2 families (£50) or 4 families (£100). And to inspire us all, the first 5,000 meals (£25,000) will be matched by a generous anonymous donor. Donations can be made now via www.ujia.org/shabbatmeals.
Kiryat Shmona to be evacuated
The northern Israeli town of Kiryat Shmona is to be evacuated.
IDF ‘ready to repel Houthi attacks’ from Yemen
Times of Israel: IDF says ready to repel Houthi attacks, is striking Gaza ‘at rate not seen in decades’. Military says it’s prepared to protect against potential assaults by the Iran-backed Yemen group.
World leaders must do ‘everything possible’ to prevent violence spilling over
World leaders must do “everything possible to prevent” the violence in Israel and Gaza from spilling over into a wider Middle East conflict, Rishi Sunak and the Qatari leader have agreed.
Help us create an installation for kidnapped/murdered children in Israel
In solidarity with grieving Israeli families, members of the community are creating an installation called ‘Empty Buggies’ to symbolise the heartbreaking loss of these children, both those whose lives were cruelly taken and those we hope will soon return.
They ask London parents who share this pain to please lend them your buggies for only 2 hours for a safe and peaceful ‘flash installation piece’ and join them on Sunday, October 22nd at 11:00am in central London to help create this installation (exact location to be provided).
More info and sign up via this link and join our WhatsApp group (link in the form)
Labour Party headquarters demo expected over party’s Israel support
Hundreds of people are expected to gather outside the Labour Party headquarters in London to demand the party change its position on the Israel-Hamas war. The action is being organised by London Palestine Action.
President Isaac Herzog visits wounded IDF soldiers at Beilinson Hospital
President Isaac Herzog has today visited wounded soldiers being treated at Beilinson Hospital. The soldiers are being treated in the orthopedics, surgery and intensive care departments as well as in the protected underground hospital.
More than 160 wounded civilians and soldiers have been treated at Beilinson since Hamas attacked Israel on October 7th.
He was accompanied by Dr. Eitan Wertheim, director of the Beilinson and HaSharon hospitals, and members of the medical staff who explained the journey of treatment and rehabilitation of the wounded from the moment they were admitted to the hospital.
Photo (courtesy of Kobi Gidon / GPO
The President thanked the medical team for their hard work and added: “We are here in the protected underground hospital, opened especially for this war. People who arrived in extremely difficult situations are being treated here – soldiers and civilians. It is truly amazing and impressive, and I encourage the public to appreciate the value and contribution of this hospital.”
Dr. Eitan Wertheim, director of the Beilinson and HaSharon hospitals, “This is the largest manned underground complex in Israel with 180 beds and – if necessary – we are prepared to receive dozens more wounded. It includes a general intensive care unit, three internal medicine wards, and a dialysis unit. It allows us to provide the best care in the safest way and without risk to the staff and patients. I thank the President and his wife for coming to give us strength.”
Our Home is Your Home – World Zionist Organisation housing initiative
The World Zionist Organization has launched an initiative to help house evacuated families in Israel.
It is reaching out to Jews from abroad who own apartments in Israel to put them up for the benefit of evacuated families who lost their homes.
Receiving the apartments, handing them over to the evacuees and the guarantee for their return is all under the full responsibility of the World Zionist Organization.
Please help us spread the initiative and click here.
UJIA, Board of Deputies and JLC partner for solidarity rally on Sunday afternoon
Join UJIA, the Jewish Leadership Council and the British Board of Deputies on Sunday afternoon to demand the safe release of the hostages held by Hamas.
Exact time and location to be released Saturday night. Police and CST will be in attendance.
Solidarity rally UJIA
Defence minister: Gaza incursion ‘coming soon’
IDF Southern Command chief says ground operation will be ‘long and intense’.
Sunak arrives in Saudi Arabia after Israel tells UK to brace for ‘long war’
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has arrived in Saudi Arabia for the second leg of his Middle East tour that included a visit to Israel, where he was told to brace for a “long war” with Hamas.
Mr Sunak is set to meet Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Thursday evening as he urges leaders in the region not to allow the Israeli-Hamas battle escalate into a wider conflict.
Irish soldiers ‘not nervous’ ahead of deployment to Lebanon
Irish soldiers about to be deployed to a peacekeeping mission in southern Lebanon have said they are not afraid as they prepare to travel to a region of high tensions.
Violence between Israel and Hezbollah militants in Lebanon has flared in recent days as fears grow that the fighting between Israel and Hamas could disrupt other areas across the Middle East.
No UEFA competition matches to be played in Israel ‘until further notice’
European football’s governing body has announced that no UEFA competition matches will be played in Israel until further notice.
Israel’s national teams and club sides Maccabi Haifa and Maccabi Tel Aviv, who are both competing in Europe, must find alternative venues outside the country to fulfil their UEFA fixtures.
During Israel-Hamas hostage crisis, World Jewish Congress meets with the Pope
World Jewish Congress (WJC) President Ronald S. Lauder met today with Pope Francis at the Vatican.
During their audience Thursday, Lauder appealed to the pope to continue to leverage his moral authority to urge for the safe return of Israeli hostages held in Gaza in the aftermath of Hamas’ assault on the Jewish State.
The pope called for the release of all hostages and concern about their fate. He has also previously acknowledged of Israel’s right to self-defense.
Israeli NGO Yad Sarah ups emergency efforts
Yad Sarah, Israel’s leading volunteer-staffed organization has rapidly expanded its operations.*
Its large-scale relief efforts are coordinated in collaboration with hospital administrations, the IDF, Israel Police, and population intake centers for evacuees.
To date it has:
- Supplied emergency aid to thousands of individuals wounded in the war
2. Provided medical and rehabilitation equipment for over 1,000 soldiers
3. Delivered over NIS 250,000 worth of medicines free of cost to individuals in the South
The wheelchair-accessible van (nechonit) unit evacuated nearly 100 residents of Southern Israel, including people with disabilities. Over 300 volunteer drivers working around the clock to deliver medical equipment and medicines as well as to transport the sick and elderly
Yad Sarah has expanded branch operating hours and activity, especially at those located in hospitals, to meet heightened requests for equipment loans, particularly crutches and wheelchairs.
It also opened three new forward-facing branches (Dead Sea, Bat Yam and Bnei Zion Hospital, Haifa) within days of the initial attacks on Israel.
Yad Sarah has an agreement with the IDF whereby soldiers can access any branch and receive equipment without the need for a deposit.
To donate from the UK, click here.
Hendon United Synagogue charity event for Israeli soldiers and victims of terror
Hendon United shul are running an event this Sunday, 22nd Oct 2023 18 Raleigh Close, 2-4 pm to raise funds which are needed urgently in the unfolding shocking and terrible tragedy that is taking place in Israel.
Hendon United
This event is fully endorsed and supported by the shul and Rabbi Ginsbury.
A spokesperson said: “The whole community is coming together to help Klal Yisroel in a time of horror and heart break not seen since the Shoah. We hope to raise as much money as possible. All funds raised will be sent to Beit Halochem, this excellent charity which was established just after the War of Independence.”
‘The whole world needs to scream – free the hostages’
Families of the kidnapped are holding a press conference urging the nations of the world to bring their loved ones home. “We cry for them every day… We are asking the whole world… 203 terrified people are being held…I can hear my son scream ‘Save me, mum!”…I’m asking you all… bring our children home.”
Families of children snatched by Hamas hold news conference
Heartbreaking scenes as families warn of ‘small window’ remaining to rescue their loved ones, who have been held captive since 7 October.
FA chief executive accepts the ‘hurt’ caused to the Jewish community
The Football Association will review whether to continue lighting the Wembley arch as an act of tribute following criticism over its response to the Israel-Palestine conflict, its chief executive Mark Bullingham has said.
Bullingham accepted the “hurt” caused to the Jewish community by the FA’s decision not to light the arch in the colours of the Israeli flag for last Friday’s England friendly against Australia, following attacks on Israeli citizens by Hamas militants earlier this month.
Daily update from Magen David Adom UK
The Minister of Health, Uriel Busso (Shas), yesterday (Wed 18 Oct) visited the National Dispatch Center of Magen David Adom in Kiryat Ono and met MDA Director General Eli Bin and the senior management team of the organisation. He said: “The entire nation of Israel salutes the Magen David Adom”
Last night (Wed 18 Oct) MDA UK CEO Daniel Burger and MDA Paramedic Aryeh Myers spoke at a young professionals Q&A fundraiser hosted by JLE. They said: “Magen David Adom is the Red Shield of David, and in 2005, a significant date, was the year that MDA was admitted to the International Red Cross – making it a truly global organisation, above any politics. We purely focus on the sanctity of saving lives.”
Daily update from BICOM
President Biden flew to Israel yesterday, in a further show of support for Israel and its right to respond to Hamas’s brutal attacks of 7th October.
In addition to announcing both military aid to Israel and humanitarian aid for Gaza, the US president backed the Israeli evidence that the blast at Al-Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza City had been caused not by an IDF bomb but by a misfired Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) rocket.
Read BICOM’s full News Update here:
WATCH: Jewish News witnesses the aftermath of attack inside a bomb shelter
WATCH: Jewish News’ @mrconfino witnesses the aftermath of an attack inside a bomb shelter in the town of Sderot. #Israel
WATCH: Jewish News reports from the scene of Hamas massacre in Sderot
WATCH: Jewish News’ @mrconfino reports from the scene of a Hamas massacre in the town of Sderot. #Israel
https://x.com/JewishNewsUK/status/1714977681102491673?s=20
‘Head of Hamas security forces killed overnight’
Claims that terror group’s head of security forces has been killed in an overnight air raid. Earlier, the widow of a Hamas’ founder was also reported to have been killed.
Jewish News recently visited the Kerem Crossing on Gaza’s border
Jewish News recently visited the Kerem Crossing on Gaza’s border, where 300 trucks a day enter the Strip from Israel. Israel tries to keep goods flowing in even under rocket fire from the place where the trucks are bound. Thousands of items including shoes, speakers and tyres conceal Hamas weapons and explosives.
Security minister says pro-Palestine stage near Cenotaph was ‘disgraceful’
Security minister Tom Tugendhat said it was “disgraceful” that a stage was erected near to the Cenotaph at a pro-Palestine march.
Images and videos posted on social media show a stage standing close to the 103-year-old war memorial on Whitehall during demonstrations at the weekend expressing support for the Palestinian people in the Israeli-Hamas conflict.
The memorial in central London is dedicated to those who died in the two world wars and in every conflict afterwards. It is a focal point during Britain’s Remembrance Sunday service in November.
Mr Tugendhat, who was formerly an officer in the British Army reserves, told Sky News: “It is disgraceful. To many of us the Cenotaph is sacred ground.
“There is a reason it matters so much to our national consciousness.
“It is not just a memory of wars past, where many of our grandparents … fought in the First and Second World Wars.
Sunak: To have a child taken from you is a parent’s worst nightmare
Earlier today the Prime Minister met with families whose loved ones have been held hostage by Hamas following the attacks on October 7.
In a post on X, Rishi Sunak is pictured hugging a woman, who was not identified.
The post said: “To have a child taken from you is a parent’s worst nightmare.
“This morning I heard from families going through this unbearable agony.
“Working with our partners, we’re determined to secure the release of the hostages taken by Hamas terrorists.”
Rishi Sunak going from Israel to Saudi Arabia
Downing St has just confirmed that the prime minister will leave Israel later today for meetings with the Saudis.
Rishi Sunak expresses Britain’s “deep condolences”
Rishi Sunak expressed Britain’s “deep condolences” to Israel during a press conference alongside Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
In comments after their bilateral meeting on Thursday, the Prime Minister said: “Thank you for your warm words and for welcoming me to Israel. I’m just sorry to be here in such terrible circumstances. In the last two weeks this country has gone through something that no country, no people should have to endure, least of all Israel, which has lived through some of the most awful scenes, the spectre of violence and terrorism every day of its existence.
“And I want to share the deep condolences of the British people and stress that we absolutely support Israel’s right to defend itself in line with international law, to go after Hamas, to take back hostages, deter further incursions and strengthen your security for the long term.
“Now, I know that you are taking every precaution to avoid harming civilians — in direct contrast to the terrorists of Hamas, which seek to put civilians in harm’s way.
“But I also want to thank you for the support that your government has given to the families of British nationals caught up in this horror, including your efforts to release the hostages, to secure their release.
“And I know that we will continue to co-operate, particularly with regard to British nationals that are involved.”
Israeli President to Rishi Sunak: We are extremely grateful to you
Israeli President Isaac Herzog expressed his gratitude to Rishi Sunak for “your support and your decisions and your leadership”.
“We are extremely grateful to you, Prime Minister, for your support and your decisions and your leadership,” he said as the two met in Israel.
He said the military capabilities of “an empire of evil led by Tehran” must be uprooted so that Israelis can “live in peace with our Palestinian neighbours.”
Penny Mordaunt: BBC must meet required broadcasting standards
Penny Mordaunt has suggested the BBC needs to “kick the tyres” to ensure it meets the required broadcasting standards when reporting on the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Conservative former minister Theresa Villiers told the Commons: “Could we have a debate on the reporting of the conflicts in the media between Israel and Hamas so that we can hold to account those media outlets that chose to rush to blame Israel for the hospital tragedy without having a sound evidential basis.
“Accurate reporting is crucial, failing to deliver that makes the situation worse, could cost lives and fuel hatred and antisemitism back here in the UK.”
Commons Leader Ms Mordaunt replied: “There are two issues here. One is the Ofcom Code and certain broadcasters’ adherence to it. In the guidance for that code it says ‘broadcasters should have regard to the list of proscribed terror groups or organisations in the UK’, and that is incredibly important.
JLC chair Keith Black speaking at Hertsmere solidarity event
Event held last night at Hertsmere Borough Council Civic Offices:
“This has been among the darkest days we have ever experienced.”
“We must go about our daily life, vigilant yes, but we must stay strong.”
“The plight of the Palestinians is a great human tragedy but it has been brought about by their (Hamas’) leadership.”
“This is not just a war of self-defence but also one of liberation, to release the Palestinian people from a merciless inhumane regime and to free the hostages.”
“Israel cannot live with this monstrous regime on their border, they must be removed.”
Beit Halochem is ‘aware of over 780 wounded soldiers’
Veteran support charity Beit Halochem UK (BHUK) tells Jewish News “we’re already aware of over 780 wounded soldiers, and we anticipate that this number will significantly increase.”
The charity raises awareness and funds for Israel’s wounded veterans and victims of terror,
Spencer Gelding, chief executive of BHUK, tells Jewish News: “We have recruited thousands of volunteers and alongside our dedicated staff we have been able to deliver the following service:
– Established 24/7 helpline for veterans
– Conducted welfare checks for 13,100+ disabled veterans
– Mobilised resources to distribute 1,000+ WASH aid kits
– Relocated 48 families from Gaza border to Tel Aviv and Eilat
– Older veterans visiting the newly injured in hospital
– Volunteers prepare and deliver care packages wounded soldiers
To support Beit Halochem UK, click here.
IDF says 203 hostages are being held in Gaza
IDF spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari says the military has so far notified the families of 203 hostages that their loved ones are being held in the Gaza Strip.
The number is not final. The IDF has been scanning the Gaza border area for bodies of missing Israelis, locating some, and many bodies are still waiting to be identified.
Families of hostages slam government decision to allow aid to Gaza via Egypt
Times of Israel: Group representing relatives of captives fume following agreement pushed by US to let some 20 trucks of humanitarian assistance into enclave with backing from Cairo.
GlobeX halves fees to support Israel
In the wake of terror attacks in Israel, GlobeX, a leading foreign exchange service provider, has taken action to support victims and their families and the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) by halving its fees for transfers to Israel.
The move not only aids the victims but also serves as an incentive for further financial support to Israel.
Since the atrocious terrorist attacks, there has been a 20% surge in shekels being sent to Israel from the UK with GlobeX. The Pound (GBP) is currently at a six-year high to the Shekel (NIS).
Maurice Adler and Willis Godlewsky, senior traders at GlobeX, said:
“In these challenging times, we stand united with the victims of terror, the IDF, and the entirety of Israel. We felt compelled to contribute our part to support those who wish to aid people in Israel during this difficult period. As a demonstration of solidarity, we are extending a special offer: for the rest of October, anyone using GlobeX to send money to Israel will receive a minimum 50% reduction in costs. Our prayers are for peace and a swift resolution to this conflict, with all hostages being safely returned to their families.”
Click here.
Rishi Sunak says he stands with Israel “against evil terrorism” as he arrives in country
Rishi Sunak said he stands with Israel “against the evil that is terrorism” as he made a visit to the country.
In a post on X, he said: “I am in Israel, a nation in grief. I grieve with you and stand with you against the evil that is terrorism. Today, and always.”
‘Irresponsible speculation’ over hospital blast led to Arab leaders calling off talks
Security minister Tom Tugendhat said “irresponsible speculation” over the al Ahli hospital blast led to Arab leaders calling off talks with US President Joe Biden.
He told Times Radio: “The reason we’re going to be so careful about this is that the premature speculation comes at a cost. Let’s be clear that the reality is there were beginning of talks promised between President Biden and some Arab leaders, and irresponsible speculation led to some of those leaders walking away as they thought that it would be unacceptable to discuss such matters after Israel had been accused of this attack.”
He added: “It now appears that that was at best speculation and at worst propaganda by a terrorist organisation.”
Mr Tugendhat said he would not “name names” over who in particular was responsible for the speculation but pointed to commentary on social media platforms.
Leeds Jewish community to hold vigil for 199 kidnapped by Hamas
The Leeds Jewish community together with Leeds Jewish Representative Council are holding a peaceful gathering on Sunday 22nd October.
The vigil is a show of support for the families of every man, woman and child who were abducted by Hamas during the 7th October attacks in Israel.
The vigil will welcome everyone who wants to show support and solidarity.
Vigil in Leeds
A spokesperson said:
“We come from many different backgrounds and political views. At this vigil we will respect all that diversity and we are committed to creating a civil and safe environment.
“The event will consist of moments of silence, prayers, and the public recitation of the names of all those we know have been killed or injured. We acknowledge and mourn their loss and offer our thoughts and our feelings to their families.
“In keeping with that approach, we are asking everyone to adhere to the following standards:
1. There will be no calls for violence, and no expressions of hatred or racism. That is not who, or what, we are.
2. We will welcome signs or props to express views and feelings, but there can be no messages directed against individual citizens, or (to repeat) calls for violent, hateful or racist messages in any form.
3. This will not be about politicians or public representatives (in Israel or in England). It is not a political rally.
4. We will all refrain from graphic descriptions (visual or oral) of the horrific incidents. Children may be in attendance, and it is inappropriate to display images without the express permission of a bereaved family.
5. We will avoid any confrontations with passers-by. If people wish to engage then we will engage with them. If they wish to jeer, to express racist views, or to shout, the police will deal with them.
6. We will follow all instructions from the police, and respect the public space we are in.
“We trust attendees to ensure that this is a vigil. In the unlikely event that people choose to reach the standards, they will be asked to leave.”
Online briefing on Thursday with StandWithUs UK
Stand With Us
Israel says won’t prevent humanitarian assistance from Egypt to Gaza
The Prime Minister’s Office issued a statement regarding humanitarian aid in to Gaza:
1. Israel will not allow any humanitarian assistance from its territory to the Gaza Strip as long as our captives are not returned.
2. Israel demands Red Cross visits with our captives and is working to mobilize broad international support for this demand.
3. In light of President Biden’s request, Israel will not prevent humanitarian assistance from Egypt as long as it is only food, water and medicine for the civilian population located in the southern Gaza Strip or which is evacuating to there, and as long as these supplies do not reach Hamas. Any supplies that reach Hamas – will be prevented.
Exclusive: Senior UK Muslim clerics condemn Hamas attacks on Israel in landmark statement
Some of Britain’s most senior Muslim leaders have said they “denounce Hamas’s killing and abduction of innocent people” on 7 October and have steered clear of apportioning blame for the Gaza hospital killings. In a significant intervention by leading Muslim clerics in the UK on the war between Hamas and Israel, clerics say they “unequivocally condemn the killing of civilians” in both Israel and Gaza, in a statement seen by Jewish News. Signed by some of the most influential figures in the British Muslim community, it includes condemnation of the IDF’s “excessive” use of force and calls for humanitarian aid to be let into the Gaza Strip. In the letter, the 15 imams and scholars urged “restraint from Israel.”
Biden compares Hamas massacre to Holocaust
“Hamas committed atrocities that recall the worst ravages of ISIS unleashing pure, unadulterated evil upon the world. There’s no rationalising, No excusing period, or brutality we saw would have cut deep anywhere in the world. It cuts deeper here in Israel, October 7, which was sacred to a sacred Jewish holiday became the deadliest day for the Jewish people since the Holocaust, who’s brought to the surface painful memories, who scars left by millenia of antisemitism the genocide of the Jewish people,” Biden said.
Foreign Secretary: ‘Rushed, inaccurate reporting costs lives’
Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said “rushed, inaccurate reporting costs lives” as he responded to concerns over the coverage of the blast in a hospital in Gaza.
Conservative former minister Sir Michael Ellis said: “Last night an evil terrorist organisation that murders Jews and oppresses Palestinians was instantly believed in a number of quarters whereas many refused to acknowledge Jewish babies had been brutally murdered without demanding graphic proof.
“Does he agree that unsubstantiated reports like those that we saw last night may actually cost lives because it helps inflame tensions in an already highly volatile region?”
Mr Cleverly said Sir Michael is “absolutely right”, adding: “Everything has a cost and rushed, inaccurate reporting costs lives.
“And everybody whether they are formally involved in the reporting process or whether they are a citizen journalist or whether they are just active on social media should be very conscious that this involves real lives in the most sensitive of circumstances and could have repercussions not just in the area, not just in the region but in this country as well.”
Biden to Israel: ‘You are not alone’
“In the wake of Hamas’s appalling, terrorist assault, brutal, inhumane – almost beyond belief what they did – this cabinet came together and is standing strong, standing united” Biden continued. “And I want you to know you are not alone. You are not alone,” President Biden said during a press conference with Israel’s war cabinet.
Daily update from MDA (Magen David Adom)
Approx. 30 doctors and paramedics from the MDA International Unit are flying in from the US and France to Israel in order to aid the medical staff in MDA.
– US President Joe Biden arrives in Israel. An MDA ambulance forms part of his convoy.
Gaza hospital news coverage: how to make your views known to the BBC and Sky News
A tale of two stories
To complain to the BBC and Sky about last night’s coverage, here are two links to use.
Sky News: viewerR@sky.uk
BBC News: http://www.bbc.co.uk/complaints/
Suggested language for your complaint:
“I am disgusted that the BBC and Sky News reported at face value, with no time to verify what had actually happened, claims from the Hamas controlled Gaza Ministry of Health that 500 deaths had been caused by an Israeli airstrike on the Al Ahli hospital.
“This rush to accept Hamas’ framing of a horrific incident in a way that both demonised Israel and inflamed tensions in the wider Middle East is completely irresponsible and falls far short of the standards the public should expect from broadcasters and journalists covering this war.”
Update briefing from BICOM
As President Biden visits Israel, the IDF has presented evidence that a rocket fired by Palestinian Islamic Jihad misfired and hit a hospital inside Gaza. In the immediate aftermath, leaders across the Arab word accused Israel of hitting the hospital, prompting attacks on the Israeli embassy in Jordan, the US Embassy in Lebanon and Joseph’s Tomb in Nablus.
See BICOM’s full Morning Brief here:
Cleverly on Gaza hospital explosion: ‘Wait for the facts’
“Last night, too many jumped to conclusions around the tragic loss of life at Al Ahli hospital. Getting this wrong would put even more lives at risk. Wait for the facts, report them clearly and accurately. Cool heads must prevail,” James Cleverly said.
Berlin synagogue attacked with Molotov cocktails early Wednesday morning
From AP: The Kahal Adass Jisroel community said its synagogue in the city’s Mitte neighborhood was attacked with two incendiary devices. Police confirmed the incident.
Herzog to Biden: ‘Bless you for protecting Israel’
President Isaac Herzog’s office says he told US counterpart Joe Biden upon arrival: “Welcome Mr. President. God bless you for protecting the nation of Israel.”
Chief Rabbi statement on explosion at Al-Ahli Hospital in Gaza
Writing on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis says:
“In all the pain and frustration of the clamour to wrongly blame Israel for the horrific loss of Palestinian life at the Al-Ahli Hospital in Gaza, let us not lose sight of what is, above all, a most awful human tragedy. Every life is sacred and I have written directly to the Most Rev. Hosam Naoum, the Anglican Archbishop in Jerusalem, to express my condolences.”
Click here to view.
President Biden arrives in Israel
U.S. President Joe Biden arrived in Israel on Wednesday where he will meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Tel Aviv to discuss the war with Hamas in Gaza, as well as the ongoing conflict with Hezbollah in Lebanon.
900+ Friends of IDF supporters gather in New York to raise emergency funds
Fauda cast member Itzik Cohen and pop star Noa Kirel attend event.
Deputy PM to attend Herts community solidarity event tonight
UK Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden and Daisy Cooper, Liberal Democrat MP for St. Albans to stand in solidarity with Jewish community at 7.15pm this evening outside Hertsmere Borough Council.
IDF tells JN: ‘We are still trying to ascertain who is dead and missing’
“We have a 1,300-person puzzle… trying to ascertain who is dead, presumed dead, taken hostage or missing. We have 286 fallen soldiers.”
IDF spokesperson tells JN: ‘The air force has not operated in the area (of Al-Ahli hospital in Gaza)’
IDF spokesperso on tonight’s news that Al-Ahli hospital in Gaza has been hit during an Israeli air strike: “The air force has not operated in that area.”
IDF says failed Islamic Jihad rocket launch hit Gaza hospital
IDF says assessment shows failed Islamic Jihad rocket launch caused Gaza hospital blast.
IDF makes clear that it does not target hospitals
IDF issues statement making clear that it does not target hospitals, two hours after a blast at Gaza Hospital, blamed by Hamas on Israel, said to have caused hundreds of fatalities.
Abbas ‘cancels’ Biden meeting after hospital explosion
A senior Palestinian official says Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas has cancelled his participation in a meeting scheduled for tomorrow with US President Joe Biden and other leaders.
‘Hundreds killed’ in explosion at hospital in Gaza City
Hamas blaming Israel; Israeli military says investigating the incident.
BREAKING: Rishi Sunak to visit Israel
Prime minister expected in the Middle East as soon as Thursday.
Madeley ‘sorry viewers were upset’ by Gaza question to MP Layla Moran
TV presenter Richard Madeley is “sorry he upset viewers” with a question to MP Layla Moran about her family in Gaza City.
The broadcaster was interviewing the Liberal Democrat MP on ITV’s Good Morning Britain (GMB) on Tuesday when he asked if “there was any word on the street” before Hamas launched its attack on Israel.
The comments drew criticism on social media, with some calling the question “appalling”.
A GMB spokesman said: “Richard is sorry that he has upset viewers with his question to Layla Moran.
“His intention was to understand the mood and atmosphere amongst the civilian population of Gaza immediately before the attacks.
“He asked Layla about her family in Gaza City because she had discussed speaking to them earlier in the interview. He did not mean to imply that she or her family might have had any prior knowledge of the attacks.”
Scotland’s First Minister: UK and rest of world must create Gaza refugee scheme
Scotland’s First Minister has called on the international community to create a refugee programme for those fleeing the hostilities in the Middle East.
Speaking to the SNP conference on Tuesday, Humza Yousaf urged the Israeli government not to use “collective punishment” against the Palestinian people for the actions of Hamas, which he said “can never be justified”.
The First Minister told the party faithful there were currently one million people displaced within the Gaza Strip, after Israeli warnings to leave ahead of an expected ground invasion.
Mr Yousaf’s in-laws: Elizabeth and Maged El-Nakla are in Gaza with his wife Nadia’s cousin having been injured by shrapnel.
London man writes ‘coloniser’ on posters for children kidnapped by Hamas
The incident happened in West Hampstead today, on West End Lane.
Click here to view the story.
Humza Yousaf’s wife calls for urgent ceasefire in Gaza after family injured
Humza Yousaf’s wife has asked for an urgent ceasefire in the Gaza strip after her relatives were wounded by shrapnel in a drone attack.
Nadia El-Nakla, an SNP councillor for Dundee City Council, spoke on LBC news about the dangers faced by her family who have become caught in the midst of the ongoing conflict.
Speaking to presenter Shelagh Fogarty, she revealed her mother, Elizabeth, had to pull shrapnel from her young cousin’s skin as hospitals are dangerous and low on medical supplies.
The First Minister revealed last weekend that his wife’s family were trapped in Gaza after the Hamas attack on southern Israel.
Labour’s Shadow Education Secretary visits Jewish school
Labour’s Shadow education secretary, Bridget Phillipson MP, expressed her support for Britain’s Jewish community in a visit to a London school this morning (Tuesday 17 October).
Speaking to school and community leaders as part of a tour of a primary school, Phillipson reiterated Labour’s support for Britain’s Jewish community after the terrorist attacks on Israel by Hamas, and amidst CST recording increased antisemitic incidents in the UK.
Campaign Against Antisemitism CharityExtra appeal
Campaign Against Antisemitism is appealing for funds after reporting a surge in antisemitism.
The organisation says: “The wave of incidents has massively increased our workload…..and requires us urgently to recruit lawyers and other professionals to ensure that our team has the resources to monitor, document and prosecute antisemitic crimes and glorification of terrorism.
“We know that you have many worthy causes asking for your help at this time, and any donation that you make to CAA’s Fightback Fund will be matched and will go directly to the fight against antisemitism in the UK.”
Click here to support the campaign:
‘Your pain is my pain’. Julie Siddiqi MBE assures Jews in Leeds that they have friends among UK Muslims
Last Shabbat (Saturday 14th October) Sinai Synagogue in Leeds welcomed Julie Siddiqi MBE, to address their congregation at the end of a devastating week for Jews in Israel and around the world.
She said: “I know that so many of you feel scared, and this week has been so tough for everyone. In the Jewish community here and around the world, your pain is my pain”.
Photo caption: (left to right): Sinai Community Director, Becky Teiger; Julie Siddiqi MBE; Cantor Rachel Weston
“I believe in a loving and merciful God, and I continue to pray for you all that your pain is eased. Please know that you have friends and supporters among UK Muslims, Christians and people of all faiths and none. And we will stand by you with love and support as and when you need it”.
“There are no easy or quick answers to any of this, but let’s stand together in love and solidarity as friends and as cousins in faith.”
Steve Bell will ‘not apologise’ for Netanyahu art after Guardian ends contract
Cartoonist Steve Bell said he will “not apologise” for his artwork depicting the Israeli prime minister after The Guardian said it has decided not to renew his contract.
His sketch of Benjamin Netanyahu was “spiked” by the newspaper, according to Mr Bell, in the wake of Hamas’s attack on Israel.
Netanyahu speaks with UAE president in first call with Arab leader since attack
The two leaders discussed the crisis and agreed to remain in contact.
Sderot, Ashkelon and Rishon Le Tzion continually hit by rocket fire
Our correspondent is currently reporting from a shelter in Tel Aviv. Other towns and cities still being targeted from Gaza include Sderot, Ashkelon and Rishon Le Tzion.
Petition to compel BBC to call Hamas ‘terrorists’ approaches 40k signatures
You can sign the change.org petition HERE
PM updates Cabinet about missing Brits
Rishi Sunak told his Cabinet that Hamas was responsible for the “murder and suspected abduction of British nationals”, Downing Street said.
Asked if it is believed that some of the 10 missing British citizens may have been kidnapped, the Prime Minister’s official spokesman said: “It’s a dynamic situation.
“I think sadly the full details of this attack are still becoming clear.”
Downing Street has urged Israel to allow water into Gaza
Downing Street has urged Israel to allow water into Gaza, while refusing to say whether it believes the tactic to shut off the supply was in line with international law.
The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said: “We continue to urge Israel as a democracy we work closely with to act within international law in their actions, I think they are taking steps to do that.
“We are in discussions and are keen to see water restored to the area.
“We want to do everything possible to relieve the unfolding humanitarian issues in Gaza. Water is an important part of that.”
Former CIA director: Israel understands magnitude of the difficulty ahead
Former CIA director general David Petraeus has said the “Israeli military leadership clearly understand the magnitude of the difficulty that lies ahead”.
In a pre-recorded interview Mr Petraeus, the former leader of US and international forces in Afghanistan and Iraq, told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “They (Israeli military chiefs) understand the challenges of fighting an enemy who doesn’t wear a uniform, in a densely populated area with a lot of civilians and doesn’t have the regard for civilian life that we do, who will have booby traps, rooms that blow up, improvised explosive devices, even suicide vest bombers.
“And of course, there are nearly 200 hostages, not to mention, the challenge for Israeli soldiers and the losses they’ll incur as they have to clear and hold areas if they’re truly to destroy Hamas to the extent that they can, by the way that means destroying every headquarters, base, facility, many of which will be underneath hospitals, weapons storage in mosques.
“But then how do you keep them from reconstituting? And there should be a vision provided not just for what they’re going to do to Hamas, but also for what they’re going to do for the people of Gaza once they have destroyed, inevitably, a lot of their basic services, their infrastructure, dwellings and so on. So the enormity of the challenges here just can’t be overstated.”
Community mental health charity JAMI: Every single caller yesterday was because of the war
Click here to contact Jami.
The BBC “expects” and “welcomes” scrutiny of the way it covers conflict
The corporation has come under fire for not referring to Hamas as a terrorist organisation and has been accused of bias both against Israel and against Palestine.
A statement from the BBC board, following its regular monthly meeting, said: “No one who has watched or listened to harrowing reports over the last ten days could be left in any doubt about the horror brought about by Hamas’s attack on defenceless civilians in Israel.
“As this war continues, with so many deaths of innocent civilians in both Israel and Gaza, the BBC will no doubt continue to come under scrutiny about the way in which we cover it – that is to be expected and also welcomed. The BBC is listening.
“We believe that our Editorial Guidelines serve us well, and continue to serve us well in difficult circumstances; we do periodically review them as a matter of course, and when we do so at our next planned review in the Spring, we will consult and debate these issues just as we always do.”
Bye, Alicia. Superstar singer slammed for ‘sick ode to Hamas terror attacks on Israel’
In a now deleted post, Alicia Keys asks fans if she should take up paragliding, following Hamas terrorists using gliders in Israel attacks on October 7th.
Click here for the full story.
President Joe Biden to visit Israel tomorrow
President Joe Biden will visit Israel during wartime to hear in person about its strategy as its conflict with Hamas intensifies, and to press for humanitarian relief for Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.
In a snap call with reporters on Monday night, John Kirby, the National Security Council spokesman, outlined Biden’s plan for a one-day visit on Wednesday to Tel Aviv, where he will meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The president will also head to Amman, Jordan, where he meet with King Abdullah, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and Mahmoud Abbas, the president of the Palestinian Authority.
Mum of young girl in Hamas hostage video: ‘I screamed when I saw Mia’
Times of Israel: “I screamed when I saw the video of Mia, because I saw she’s alive, but when I watched it again, I saw that she’s wounded,” says Keren Schem, mother of Mia Schem, who was shown in a Hamas video from Gaza last night.
Schem said they had heard rumors that Mia was shot in the shoulder or leg, but could see from the video that she was shot in the shoulder, and had undergone surgery.
“I see that she’s very terrified, in a lot of pain, and I can see that she’s saying what they’re telling her to say,” says Schem.
JK Rowling shares image of autistic Harry Potter fan kidnapped by Hamas
Author shares post on X, formerly known as Twitter, of 12-year old Noya Dan, the autistic young Harry Potter fan kidnapped by Hamas.
Click here to see the full post.
WATCH: Angry scenes outside the BBC tonight
Angry scenes outside the #BBC tonight at a Jewish community protest against the corporation’s use of the term ‘militant’ to describe Hamas terrorism.
Hundreds of protesters gather outside the BBC
The demonstration condemns the broadcaster for labelling Hamas terrorists as ‘militants’. Crowd shouts “Liars, liars” and “Defund the BBC”.
Lib Dem MP Layla Moran: Member of my family in Gaza had their home bombed
Liberal Democrat MP Layla Moran told the Commons that members of her extended family in Gaza had their home bombed but are “too old” to flee the area.
The MP for Oxford West and Abingdon said: “My immediate family is from the West Bank, but we have extended family in Gaza City.
“Their house was bombed by the IDF (Israel Defence Forces). They went to seek sanctuary in a church because we’re Christian Palestinians, and I’m afraid they are still there because they are too old to go, and they say to me that they have nowhere to go.
“Because of this, not despite it, I attended a vigil in Oxford organised by the Jewish community, because it is between our communities that we now share profound emotions – loss and grief.”
She sought assurances that “it will be never again” and that “whenever we get through whatever is going to happen in the next few days, that he keeps the promise he made to my great grandfather, and that there will be a Palestinian state to call our own at the end of it”.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak expressed his sympathies, and paid tribute to “the fact that she looks forward to a more positive future – it’s an ambition that I share”, adding “we must find a way to move forward, to secure a more stable, peaceful settlement”.
Labour MP calls on PM to meet the family of a woman taken hostage by Hamas
A Labour MP has called on Rishi Sunak to meet the family of a woman taken hostage by Hamas.
Dawn Butler (Brent Central) told the Commons: “Noam Sagi, his wife… and their son are here today and they are watching you give your statement.
“Ada Sagi, Noam’s mum, has been taken hostage by Hamas on Saturday October 7 from her home and is currently being held in Gaza.
“Ada booked a ticket to the UK to celebrate her 75th birthday. Noam has written to you asking for your immediate intervention and assistance. Joe Biden has made personal calls to his citizens.
“I’m asking if you will, please, and remember the family are watching you Prime Minister, would you please just spare five minutes to have a quick conversation?”
The Prime Minister replied: “Of course I’m happy to have a quick conversation, but I’m also engaged actively with our partners in the region to try and ensure the safe release of our hostages. Something which I’m sure the House will support me in doing any which way we can.
“We will use all the tools at our disposal to ensure their safe return.”
More items above
Today’s hard-hitting Evening Standard front page
…ask: Why have those who should support the Jewish community lost their voice?
BBC has given ‘careful consideration’ to all aspects of its coverage
The BBC said it has given “careful consideration” to all aspects of its coverage of the Israel-Hamas conflict.
The broadcaster has received complaints that its reporting has been biased against both Israel and Palestinians.
In a published statement, the BBC said: “Careful consideration has been given to all aspects of our coverage to ensure that we report on developments accurately and with due impartiality in line with the BBC editorial guidelines, which are publicly available.”
It added: “We understand that this is an extremely worrying time for people not only in the region, but also in the UK and around the world, and we have reflected this in our coverage.
“BBC News has provided our global audiences with coverage and first-hand testimony of the atrocities committed by Hamas and the suffering in Gaza.”
Speaking about its decision not to describe Hamas as a terrorist organisation, it said: “The BBC, along with many other UK and global news organisations, does use the word ‘terrorist’, but attributes it. We have made clear to our audiences that Hamas is proscribed as a terrorist organisation by the UK and other governments.”
The numbers of complaints are in the higher hundreds, not in the thousands, and there is a handful of numbers difference between the complaints totals for perceived Israeli and Palestinian bias, the PA news agency understands.
News Editor Justin Cohen holds back tears in describing the fears of British Jews on BBC News
Justin Cohen, News Editor, Jewish News
Justin Cohen, News Editor, Jewish News:
Click here to view.
UK must ensure no stone left unturned in ensuring the conflict does not escalate
The Prime Minister must ensure no stone is left unturned in ensuring the conflict in the Middle East does not escalate, Theresa May has said.
The Conservative former prime minister told the Commons: “The attack on Israel by Hamas terrorists was barbaric. Terrorists must be defeated whoever they are, wherever they are.
“Can I commend the Prime Minister and the Foreign Secretary for the stance that the Government has taken in support of the Jewish community here in the UK, in support of Israel and its right to defend itself.
“I welcome the Prime Minister’s statement that action must be taken in line with international humanitarian law.
“But will he commit today that the Government will leave no stone unturned in its efforts to prevent regional escalation of the conflict, and in doing so will he reflect on the role of Iran?”
The Labour leader has said ‘innocent lives must be protected’
Sir Keir Starmer told the Commons: “Israel’s defence must be conducted in accordance with international law. Civilians must not be targeted, innocent lives must be protected. There must be humanitarian corridors, there must be humanitarian access, including food, water, electricity, and medicines, so that hospitals can keep people alive and so that innocent people do not needlessly die.
“And there must be proper protection for all those who work selflessly, so aid can be delivered to victims.
“There can be no doubt the responsibility for this crisis lies with Hamas. They have no interest in Palestinian rights, no interest in the security of the people of Gaza, they unleash terror…”
He added: “They are destroyers of lives, of hope, of peace, and we cannot give them what they want. We must keep striving for a two-state solution. A Palestinian state alongside a safe and secure Israel.”
British Immigration Minister delivers message of solidarity to the Jewish community
At a meeting this morning, The Rt Hon Robert Jenrick MP, immigration minister addressed the Asian Business Network.
He said:
“I know there will be people in the room today fearful that Israel’s legitimate right to self-defence will be used as pretext to stir up hatred in the UK in the coming weeks and months. We have already seen an appalling rise in antisemitic and indeed islamophobic incidents over the last week. People who would ordinarily have attended today may have chosen not to.
“So I have one very simple message to you all: there is no space for that kind of hate here. Not in Britain, not in our name.
“And for those that saw fit over the weekend to glorify terrorism and mock the murder of Jewish people: the police are coming for you. We will do everything we possibly can to protect Jewish people in our country. And if anything is standing in the way of keeping the Jewish community safe, we will fix it.
“On days like these, the work of the business network is more important than ever. It showcases the very best of our Jewish and Asian communities and the significant contributions they make to our society – and I hope that today’s conference is as successful as it always is.”
Edgware community supporting Israel
The Edgware Community has come together in support of Israel.
In addition to the cross communal prayers being said, a fundraising campaign has been launched to twin Edgware with the beleaguered town of Sderot.
What makes this campaign so unique is that it is truly cross communal with people from all different backgrounds coming together with one common purpose to support Israel.
It’s the first time a cross communal campaign like this has ever been launched with an initial target of £500,000 and facilitated by myIsrael.
Sderot was chosen as a similar size to Edgware and will allow locals to support in a strategic way both in the immediate short term and in the long term rebuilding.
The chosen charity is Reut-Sderot.
Reut-Sderot is a front line charity providing welfare support to residents of Sderot.
Examples of their immediate work include aid to the 5,000 citizens remaining in the city made up primarily of the elderly, the sick, and mourners who have lost their loved ones. Reut-Sderot also serves as a centre for soldiers arriving in the south before fighting or for a brief respite from it.
Anna Maman, Resource Development Coordinator for Reut-Sderot said: “The situation on the ground is horrific as you have seen from the images on your screens. But knowing that there is a small town of strangers called Edgware, who are helping us in our hour of need is incredible. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”
Brian Gordon, Chairman of Edgware United Synagogue commented: “We are very proud that Edgware is playing its part in supporting Israel generally and Sderot specifically in its hour of need.”
You can donate by clicking here.
At least six Britons killed in Hamas’s ‘pogrom’ in Israel, Sunak says
At least six British citizens were killed in Hamas’s “pogrom” in Israel and a further 10 are missing, Rishi Sunak has told MPs.
The Prime Minister told the Commons that more than 1,400 people were murdered, over 3,500 wounded and almost 200 taken hostage.
PM: We’ve brought home 500 people from Israel so far
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, addressing the situation of British nationals in Israel, told the Commons: “We’ve organised eight flights so far, bringing out over 500 people, with more flights leaving today.
“We are working with neighbouring countries on land evacuations for our citizens in Gaza and the West Bank.”
He said he has spoken to Egyptian president Abdel Fattah el-Sisi about “supporting civilians to leave Gaza by the Rafah border crossing”, adding a border force team is in Egypt to help citizens when they are able to cross.”
Rishi Sunak in the Commons: We stand with British Jews now and always
Addressing the British Jewish community, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said in the Commons: “We stand with you now and always. This atrocity was an existential strike at the very idea of Israel as a safe homeland for the Jewish people.
“I understand why it has shaken you to your core, and I am sickened that antisemitic incidents have increased since the attack.
“We are doing everything we can to protect you.”
He added: “We are working with the police to ensure that hate crime and the glorification of terror is met with the full force of the law.”
He went on: “We stand with the Jewish community.”
On average 20% of Jewish students did not attend school on Friday
Figures from PaJes, Partnerships for Jewish Schools.
PM to give Commons statement at 3.30pm
Sunak will address Parliament on Hamas’ attack in Israel and the developing crisis at 3.30pm.
Head of Islamist Ra’am Party: Send humanitarian aid to Gaza and release hostages
Times of Israel: Mansour Abbas, head of the Islamist Ra’am party, calls on the government to immediately enable humanitarian aid to civilians in the besieged Gaza Strip, while urging the Hamas terror group to release the some 200 hostages kidnapped from Israel on October 7. “I called on Saturday [October 7] and I’ll continue to call on the groups in Gaza to release those held by them,” Abbas says, outside his Knesset faction meeting.
The Prime Minister: ‘Abhorrent that pro-Palestinian protesters display Hamas images
The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said it was “abhorrent” that pro-Palestinian protesters reportedly displayed images of Hamas attackers during demonstrations.
It comes after the Metropolitan Police appealed for information about two women who had pictures of paragliders taped to the back of their jackets at protests in London at the weekend.
Rishi Sunak’s spokesman told reporters: “It is abhorrent.
“It is hard to conceive of a situation where people would want to show support for individuals that committed a terrorist attack which saw children, babies slaughtered. It is hard to put into words.”
He said such alleged behaviour was an example of “why we must rightly show support for the Jewish community in the UK”.
The No 10 official also said police forces had been given “clarity” on behaviour at protests so they could apply the “full force of the law” where necessary.
Armed forces minister: Israel doing ‘everything it reasonably can’
Armed forces minister James Heappey said he believes Israel is doing “everything it reasonably can” to tell people in Gaza where to move ahead of an imminent offensive.
“They are telling the population of Gaza where they can move to in order to be safe and that is in stark contrast to Hamas who are telling them to stay put in order to maintain their human shield,” he told Sky News.
Asked about photos surfacing over the weekend which appeared to show two women, one of whom appeared to be wearing a sticker of a paraglider, at a pro-Palestine march, the minister said: “I think that that celebration and glorification of what happened last Saturday is despicable.
“I’m glad the police are acting and I hope that those two particularly are found,” he added.
Liberman: Make humanitarian aid to Gaza contingent on hostage welfare
Yisrael Beytenu leader Avigdor Liberman calls for making humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip contingent upon a Red Cross welfare check upon hostages. Addressing himself to “everyone who speaks now about humanitarian aid,” he demands that it be “provisioned that they get don’t get one crumb, that one liter of water won’t be transferred until the Red Cross sees our abductees.”
There is ‘no restriction’ on the BBC calling Hamas terrorists, Downing Street has said.
Asked about the broadcaster’s decision not to use the description, the Prime Minister’s official spokesman said: “I think ministers have set out our position on this already.
“The legal position is that Hamas is a proscribed terrorist group – the term terrorist is an accurate legal description.
“The BBC has described other attacks as terrorism – 9/11, 7/7, the Bataclan. To put it into context, the attack we witnessed in Israel was the third deadliest terror attack in the world since 1970.
“So there is no restriction on the BBC using that term, certainly not from Ofcom who have made it clear that, as long as they meet Ofcom rules on accuracy in news and due impartiality in news, it is for broadcasters to think about very carefully what they use to describe unfolding events.”
He added: “A number of reporting organisations are accurately describing Hamas as a terrorist group. I think accuracy is important in the circumstances.”
Rishi Sunak: Gorify Hamas and risk a long jail sentence
Rishi Sunak has warned that glorifying Hamas in the UK can result in long jail sentences.
Speaking to broadcasters on a visit to a Jewish secondary school in north London, the Prime Minister said: “Hamas is a proscribed terrorist organisation, it’s very clear under the law, the support and glorification of Hamas is illegal, and those offences are punishable with up to almost 14 years in jail.
“But it’s not just about Hamas, more broadly actions that incite violence or stir up religious hatred and racial violence are also not acceptable and that’s why, as I said, there’s no place in our society for that type of hatred and division, and it will be met with the full force of the law where it happens.”
Rishi Sunak to provide update on British nationals in Gaza this afternoon
Rishi Sunak will provide the latest possible update about British nationals in Gaza this afternoon, Downing Street said, but warned the situation was “fast-moving and complicated”.
The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said: “We know that several British nationals sadly have been killed. Others are missing. You can expect the Prime Minister to provide the latest possible updates on this in his statement later today.
“In the meantime we are assisting families and our thoughts are with those who are facing unimaginable uncertainty and fear because of these despicable attacks.”
WATCH: How are British Jews feeling? Justin Cohen tries to make sense of it all
@jewishnewsuk “There’s a deep sense of sadness” News Editor Justin Cohen attempts to put the British Jewry’s feelings into words. ???????????????? #israelunderfire
WATCH: IDF soldier sings at fellow soldier’s wedding
@jewishnewsuk Amazing moment as @Shlomo lipmanm sings at fellow IDF soldier’s wedding near Gaza border. ❤️???????? #israelunderfire
WATCH: Residents of Tel Aviv come together to sing the Israeli national anthem
@jewishnewsuk Dizengoff Square, before last night’s rockets. ❤️???????? A community gathers to sing hatikvah together. #israelunderfire
WATCH: Jewish News reports from Sderot on Monday morning
@jewishnewsuk What is happening right now in Sderot in Southern Israel right now? Our foreign editor on the ground explains. #israel #israelunderfire #israel???????? #israeltiktok #news #israelnews #sderot #sderotisrael????????????
rchbishop of Canterbury warns ‘cancer of antisemitism must not be allowed to spread in UK’
The Archbishop of Canterbury has issued a new statement warning:”The cancer of antisemitism must not be allowed to spread in the UK. ”
Posting on X, formerly known as Twitter, Justin Welby wrote: “I stand in full solidarity with the Jewish community in the face of the disgraceful hatred and prejudice we’re seeing on our streets, online and on campuses.”
Guardian sacks cartoonist Steve Bell after Netanyahu cartoon
The Guardian has sacked cartoonist Steve Bell after Netanyahu cartoon it refused to publish is accused of being antisemitic.
Armed forces minister: UK urging Israel to balance military and humanitarian efforts
Armed forces minister James Heappey said the UK is encouraging Israel to ensure it balances military and humanitarian efforts.
Asked whether the Government supports the blockade of water, medical supplies and power from Gaza, he told LBC: “I think what we are recognising is that there is military necessity rubbing up against humanitarian necessity and what we’re saying to Israel is that they need and are, need to show the balance between those two imperatives.”
Echoing US secretary of state Antony Blinken, Mr Heappey said democracies hold themselves to a “higher standard” and “of course we are encouraging Israel to make sure it does hold itself to that higher standard.”
He added: “It is the devil’s own choice that Israel has got to make but for my money they are balancing correctly the need to preserve innocent human life as best they possibly can while accepting that the adversary that they will soon launch an attack on, uses humans and shields and deliberately seeks to hide within civilian population and infrastructure.”
Armed forces minister: ‘Almost inevitable operation in Gaza will see civilians suffer
Armed forces minister James Heappey said it is “almost inevitable” that the operation in Gaza will see an “innocent civilian population that is very badly affected”.
He told ITV’s Good Morning Britain: “I think you have to be clear that international law allows Israel to prosecute a mission that is legal, proportionate and necessary, and that, I’m afraid, does not necessarily mean that Israel has to be able to guarantee that there will be no civilian loss of life.
“It is almost inevitable, given the complexity of the mission, that there will be (an) innocent civilian population that is very badly affected. I just don’t think there’s any point pretending otherwise.”
Asked about the possibility of opening the Rafah crossing into Egypt for people fleeing Gaza, Mr Heappey welcomed the prospect but said it is important to “sound a note of caution that the reports might be more optimistic than reality”.
Hamas continuing to prevent Palestinians from evacuating southward
IDF’ spokesman, Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari: “Hamas prevents the residents of Gaza from moving to the south of the Strip. Hamas has proven its cruelty to the residents of Israel and now it is doing the same to the residents of Gaza City.”
199 people confirmed to be held hostage in Gaza
The new official number is significantly higher than the 130 believed to have been taken.
Sunak to address MPs as Israeli invasion of Gaza looms
Rishi Sunak will address MPs on Monday about the escalating crisis in Israel and Gaza, as politicians return to Westminster amid renewed conflict in the Middle East.
Palestinians in Gaza remain braced for an imminent Israeli invasion, a week after Hamas militants launched a deadly assault on the country.
The Prime Minister is expected to make a visit on Monday morning to re-iterate his Government’s support for the Jewish community, after a weekend that saw growing international efforts to stop the conflict escalating further.
King Abdullah II of Jordan was welcomed to Downing Street on Sunday evening, as the ruler embarked on a diplomatic tour of Europe to rally international support to stop the war.
Number 10 said that the Prime Minister would hold talks with other leaders and international partners in the days to come, as the conflict showed little sign of coming to a swift conclusion.
‘The stench of murderous antisemitism clings to it’
Senior academic slams Israel statement from Goldsmiths University that specifically omits any mention of Hamas.
Click here for full story.
BBC Arabic Channel journalists ‘taken off air’
Jewish News understands the move has been taken pending investigation after facing claims of backing Hamas on social media.
Click here for the full story.
‘One message from our community to Israel — your fight is our fight. You are not alone’
JLC, UJIA, Board of Deputies, CST, IDF and BICOM convene live on air to update the community on how they are responding to the crisis in Israel.
Click here for the full story.
Jewish community briefing about to start – 6.30pm WATCH HERE
The Jewish Community is invited to a high level briefing update on the situation in Israel.
Likud minister to those who paid price of Hamas massacre: We ask your forgiveness
Miki Zohar, the Likud’s culture and sports minister, issues an apology on behalf of the government to the residents of the southern communities slaughtered by Hamas on Saturday and to those who paid the ultimate price. “The preparations were not in place for an attack like this…. The government, the state, was not ready for an attack like this,” Zohar says on Army Radio.
King Abdullah II of Jordan at No 10 for a meeting with Prime Minister
King Abdullah II of Jordan has arrived at No 10 Downing Street for a meeting with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak about the situation in Israel and Gaza. The pair shook hands before the Prime Minister led the Jordanian king inside.
Harif charity lecture: Who are HAMAS
Hamas. Pic: Harif
The UK charity representing Jews from North Africa and the Middle East is hosting a lecture on Thursday 19 October to explain the background to the creation of Palestinian jihadist group, Hamas.
Harif will host Professor Norman Stillman for the special talk.
The author of the acclaimed ‘Jews of Arab Lands: a history and source book’, Dr Stillman is an internationally recognised authority on the history and culture of the Islamic world, as well as on Sephardi and oriental Jewry.
7:00 pm UK/ 11:00 am PT/ 2:00 pm ET / 8:00 pm Europe / 9:00 pm Israel
For further details, contact info@harif.org
30 first generation Holocaust refugee and survivors hold a 1-minute silence for Israel
Pic: AJR
Members of The Association of Refugees (AJR), led by over 30 of its first generation Holocaust refugee and survivor members, gathered to light a candle and hold a 1-minute silence for Israel, followed by singing Hatikva.
Officials say Qatar pressing Hamas to release women, children and elderly
Times of Israel: Qatar is working to coax Hamas to release the women, children and elderly hostages that the terror group is currently holding in Gaza after taking them captive during last week’s onslaught in southern Israel, a diplomatic official tells The Times of Israel.
Israel vigil beginning in Parliament Square
Hundreds gathering this afternoon to stand in solidarity and call for the safe return of the kidnapped.
Missile fired from Lebanon toward northern Israel for fifth time today
Times of Israel: The Israel Defence Forces says another military post on the Lebanon border has come under fire by an anti-tank guided missile.
It marks at least the fifth missile launched from Lebanon at northern Israel today, in attacks claimed by the Hezbollah terror group.
The IDF does not immediately report injuries in the latest attack.
Man to face court accused of making racist comments at pro-Palestine march
A man accused of making racist comments at a pro-Palestine march in London will appear in court next month.
The Metropolitan Police said a 67-year-old man has been charged with intentionally causing racially aggravated harassment, alarm or distress after being arrested on Saturday.
He is alleged to have made racist remarks towards people gathered in Whitehall and a police officer.
The force said on X, formerly Twitter: “The man was arrested after shouting racial abuse at those gathered in Whitehall and making similar racist comments to an officer who spoke with him.
“The man was in possession of a UK flag. This was in no way the reason for his arrest and forms no part of the charges against him.”
How to support the IDF
UK Friends of AWIS (Association for the Wellbeing of Israel’s Soldiers) is the only UK charity sanctioned by the IDF and the Ministry of Defence of Israel to make donations directly to the IDF.
They have launched a campaign to raise £1,000,000 to provide vital supplies of clothing, underwear, personal hygiene goods and confectionary for the 360,000 soldiers and many thousands more volunteers engaged in Operation Swords of Iron.
Click here.
Iran warns that ‘no one can guarantee’ control of situation if Israel invades Gaza
Iran has warned that “no one can guarantee” control if Israel enters Gaza, ahead of an expected ground offensive by Israeli forces. “If the attacks of the Zionist regime against the defenceless citizens and people of Gaza continue, no one can guarantee the control of the situation and the non-expansion of the conflicts,” its foreign ministry quoted Foreign Minster Hossein Amir-Abdollahian as saying during his meeting with Qatar’s Emir.
Israeli Brit psychotherapist reaches out to offer help
Following the Hamas terrorist atrocities in Israel, an Israeli Brit training in psychotherapy is offering to speak to any member of the Jewish community who feel they would benefit.
Mother of four Lee Grant tells Jewish News:
“We know what our country is going through now is unprecedented and we are all struggling to come to terms with the immense pain and heart ache the seemingly never ending cycle of violence against us is bringing.
“Countless stories, each somehow feeling worse than the last, compounding our pain and despair, especially as we are so far from our loved ones there.
“Whilst we may not be able to lend our hands and minds to the efforts in Israel, we can certainly and wholeheartedly lend them here.
“If anyone needs a compassionate heart and mind to listen and help you carry your pain, please get in touch.
Contact Lee at LKG2879@gmail.com.
Israeli universities unite in condemning barbaric Hamas terror attack on civilians
To read the full letter: https://t.ly/2bAuo
Saudi Crown Prince highlights diplomatic outreach ‘to calm the situation’
Times of Israel: After meeting with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, a statement from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman highlights Riyadh’s diplomatic outreach “to calm the situation,” the official Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reports. The news agency says those efforts involved calls to regional leaders, including Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi.
US sends second aircraft carrier to region to deter Hezbollah
Fears mount that the Lebanon-based militia could become further involved when Israeli soldiers enter Gaza.
Sderot begins evacuation ahead of Gaza ground operation
The border town is being cleared of civilians ahead of Israeli action inside the Gaza Strip.
Madonna’s tribute to the suffering during London concert
Addressing the thousands of adoring fans in the crowd, she said: “All of us are suffering watching what’s happening in Israel and Palestine. It breaks my heart to see children suffering, teenagers suffering, elderly people suffering. All of it is heart-breaking. Even though our hearts are broken, our spirits cannot be broken…
“We are altogether very powerful people, we can unite in the dark and evil or we can unite in a place of light and love.
“And if we all had that collective conscious, we could change the world and we can bring peace – not only to the Middle East but all over the world.”
Foreign Secretary: UK continue to support British nationals in Gaza
Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said that the UK would continue to support British nationals in Gaza, amid efforts to open the Rafah border crossing.
He told Sunday With Trevor Phillips on Sky News: “This is this is very important for the British nationals in Gaza.
“We continue to support them, we continue to update them as much as we can through text messaging and whatever other means is available.
“So we will keep supporting the British nationals in Gaza and we will keep working with the US, with the Israelis and others to try and bring this crossing into use.”
Foreign Secretary warns against glorifying terrorism at Palestinian rallies
Foreign Secretary James Cleverly warned people against glorifying terrorism, after major marches across the UK in support of the Palestinian cause.
The senior Cabinet minister did not criticise demonstrators generally, but claims were put to him some people in attendance appeared to openly support Hamas.
“The point is about whether arrests may happen at all or whether they happen at the event or after the event. So I’m not going to drift into operational policing,” he told Sunday With Trevor Phillips on Sky News.
“I would remind people that being passionate about a better life for the Palestinian people is a passion that I share and indeed shared by Government. However, glorifying murder and terrorism is no benefit to the Palestinian people, just as Hamas are not friend to the Palestinian people.”
Foreign Secretary declines to say if Israel actions breach international law
Foreign Secretary James Cleverly declined to say if the UK believes actions by Israel have been a breach of international law.
Speaking to host Victoria Derbyshire on the Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg programme, concerns raised by the EU, UN and others about the actions of Israel were put to the Foreign Secretary.
He said: “There are a number of other quotes which you didn’t show, which don’t agree with them. The interpretation of international law is that, I’m not a lawyer, but the UK’s position on international law is absolutely unwavering. So President Herzog has said… that Israel will abide by international law
Pushed again, he said: “What I’m saying is the UK Government is absolutely committed to the adherence of international human (rights) law.
“And when we see breaches of that we raise that including with Israel.
“The point is the clear difference is from statements coming from Israel, saying that they respect and will abide by international humanitarian law and Hamas on the other hand, who are specifically targeting civilians.”
David Lammy “concerned” at Israel’s suggestion Gazans should evacuate hospitals
Shadow foreign secretary David Lammy has said he is “concerned” at Israel’s suggestion Gazans should evacuate hospitals.
He told the Sunday With Trevor Phillips programme on Sky News: “I am concerned at the suggestion people should evacuate hospitals.
“That is incredibly unlikely for those who are very seriously injured and humanitarian workers who put themselves in harm’s way.
“There is an obligation to minimise civilian casualties in that situation.”
Scotland’s First Minister backs allowing Palestinians and Israelis to flee to UK
Scotland’s First Minister has backed a programme that would allow Palestinians and Israelis to flee to the UK.
Asked about such a move, Humza Yousaf said he “absolutely” supports it.
He added: “There’s many people who are worried about their relatives – Jewish, Muslim, Christian, atheist, agnostic – whether it’s those that are captured by Hamas or whether it’s those like my own family in Gaza.”
He went on to reiterate his calls for the opening of a humanitarian corridor to allow supplies to reach civilians in Gaza, as well as calling on the international community to deal with the “root cause” of the hostilities in the region.
“We have to, of course, bring people to the UK if we are able to, but also, if we want to stop this perpetual cycle of violence… then we also have to say unequivocally, and there should be no controversy about this statement, that an Israeli life and a Palestinian life are equal.
“We have to make sure that we never lose sight of that.”
Beilinson Hospital, one of Israel’s largest medical centres, opens its underground protected hospital in anticipation of further escalation in the war.
The fortified complex 5,000 square meters and two floors of the hospital’s underground car park. The underground hospital holds 200 beds.
CST: Rumours of a man with a knife are FALSE
Statement from CST: The rumour of a man stopped with a knife in Golders Green is FALSE NEWS. There was no knife. It was not to do with Jews and is a mental health issue.
London’s churches pray for peace in Israel and Gaza
The Bishop of London has written to the Chief Rabbi, Ephraim Mirvis, and to Marie van der Zyl OBE, President of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, pledging the support of London’s churches to their Jewish friends and neighbours.
Churches across the capital, such as St Mary’s and Christ Church Hendon, are holding hours of prayer for peace.
The Bishop of London, Dame Sarah Mullally, said: “The rise in recent days in reports of antisemitism has been reprehensible. We condemn such acts in the strongest possible terms. The whole Jewish community in London has been grieving, following the horrific Hamas attacks. We share their grief, their sorrow, and their pain, in the wake of such terrible loss.
“In the eyes of God, every human life is sacred. Together, we pray for every one of the diverse communities we serve in London, for our Jewish and Muslim neighbours, and we pray for lasting peace in Gaza and Israel.”
Holocaust Educational Trust statement on events in Israel
“Last Saturday during Shabbat (the Jewish Sabbath) and the Jewish holiday of Simchat Torah – many of us woke up to news from family and friends in Israel who were under attack from Hamas terrorists. We now know that Saturday was the deadliest day for Jews since the Holocaust, with an estimated 1,300 murdered, and approximately 150 people kidnapped and being held hostage in Gaza, including an elderly Holocaust survivor.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with all of those affected.
“It will not surprise you to know that the Holocaust survivors and families we work with are horrified and appalled. To witness this in their lifetime is unspeakable. The news has sent shockwaves through us all.
“Sadly, in the days since the attack, antisemitic incidents here in the UK have increased by almost 500%. We ask that you report any antisemitism you see to the Community Security Trust (you can find their contact details here), and continue to speak out against hatred, wherever it is found.”
Historian Tom Holland says ‘We have a responsibility to make our Jewish fellow-citizens feel safe’
Click here.
Twitter, Tom Holland
CST Shabbat guidance
If you noticed anything suspicious or experienced antisemitism over Shabbat, please report it to CST immediately http://cst.org.uk/report
Rishi Sunak: ‘What took place was an act of pure evil and Israel has every right to defend itself.’
One week after the Hamas atrocities in Israel, the UK Prime Minister tells British Jews: ‘I stand with you, the British Jewish community, not just today, not just tomorrow, but always. Am Yisrael Chai.’
Click here for the full story.
‘Israel has the right, indeed the duty, to defend herself’
Keir Starmer, leader of the Opposition, tells the British Jewish community ‘I know this is a distressing and worrying time and welcome the extra funding for the CST.’
Click here for the full story.
MDA – one week in, please continue to help us save lives
Operation Swords of Iron – one week in.
Approximately 1,400 MDA Ambulances, including bulletproof vehicles, are manned by MDA volunteers and employees, saving lives under fire.
Helicopters have carried out dozens of evacuations and transported victims to hospitals.
Mobile Intensive Care Units (MICU’s) and other specialised vehicles have also evacuated injured patients to hospitals all over the country. – please continue to help MDA save lives https://tinyurl.com/mda-one-week-in
IDF ‘completing preparations for a significant ground operation’
The Israel Defence Forces says it is completing preparations for a “significant ground operation” in the Gaza Strip.
In a statement, the IDF says it is readying to “expand the offensive” by implementing a “wide range of offensive operational plans” which it says include a “joint and coordinated attack from the air, sea and land.”
The IDF says it is finalizing the draft of hundreds of thousands of reservists, as the logistics directorate is working to provide troops with all the equipment they will need for the ground offensive.
Corbyn tells pro-Palestine rally: It is a day of solidarity and it is a day of hope
Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn addressed the thousands at a pro-Palestine rally in London, calling on political leaders to condemn Israeli’s assault on Gaza.
“It is a day of solidarity and it is a day of hope,” the independent MP for Islington North told the crowd.
He said that around the world people were standing in support of the people in Gaza.
“There are many who say that nobody should be here today because they’ll be condoning terrible things. None of us are here to condone killing. None of us are here to condone occupation.
“None of us are here to allow this assault on the people of Gaza and the people of the West Bank to go on.
“Today, as we wave the Palestinian flag, let’s hear it for the people of the West Bank, for the people of Gaza, for the people of the refugee camps, and say very bluntly to our political leaders in this country@ ‘do not condone war crimes, do not condone the starvation and the denial of medicine to desperate people in Gaza or anywhere else’.
“If you believe in international law, if you believe in human rights, then you must condemn what is happening now in Gaza by the Israeli army.”
‘Pro-Palestine’ supporters march to the Scottish Parliament
Thousands of supporters at a pro-Palestine demonstration staged an impromptu march to the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh on Saturday.
Chanting slogans such as “Free, free Palestine!” and “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free”, people marched from The Mound where the protest was held and down Edinburgh’s Royal Mile as those lining the street looked on.
Drivers of nearby cars tooted their horns to show solidarity.
The marchers then gathered in the grass area outside the Scottish Parliament and took the knee in solidarity with Palestinians caught up in the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Large swathes of ‘pro-Palestinian’ supporters continued to demonstrate in Whitehall
Large swathes of ‘pro-Palestinian’ supporters continued to demonstrate in Whitehall, with more fireworks being set off. One man, wearing a grey and black hoodie, was in handcuffs, detained by Met officers to the left of the gates to Downing Street, with a crowd behind railings chanting: “Let him go.”
Jewish News editor on TalkTV this afternoon
Jewish News editor Richard Ferrer on @TalkTV this afternoon, making the simple point that it should be easy for each and every one of us to unite behind the humane message – #FreeGazaFromHamas
Jewish News editor Richard Ferrer on TalkTV.
‘Pro-Palestine’ protesters wear paraglider pictures
Harry’s Place @hurryupharry Tweet:
Hamas sent terrorists on paragliders to a rave in Israel where they massacred the civilians so it’s important to tape images of paragliders to your clothes at a pro-Palestine demonstration.
IDF strikes targets in Lebanon in response to mortars fired at Israel
“Following the initial report regarding several launches that were identified from Lebanon toward the Har Dov area, IDF soldiers are currently striking the origin of the launches,” IDF said in a statement.
Pro-Palestinian march sets off from Portland Place
Supporters let off red, green and black flares and chanted “Free, free Palestine”.
Several individuals jumped on top of a bus shelter on Regent Street before waving Palestinian flags.
Tensions briefly boiled over between a protester and a member of the public outside Hamley’s toy store on the street, with the former shouting angrily at the latter and calling him “a liar”.
Innocent will be casualties in fight to stop Hamas – Israeli embassy spokeswoman
Innocent people in Gaza will inevitably die in the Israeli-Hamas conflict because “this is a state of war and we have to prevent anyone from harming us again”, the spokeswoman for Israel’s UK embassy has said.
Orly Goldschmidt told Times Radio that Israel was not targeting civilians, but it was entitled to defend itself after the Palestinian militant group Hamas launched an unprecedented attack a week ago, killing at least 1,300 people.
She insisted medical supplies could not be allowed into Gaza in case Hamas uses them against Israel.
Ms Goldschmidt argued that Hamas was preventing residents in Gaza from moving along a “safe corridor” to the south after Israel gave 1.1 million residents 24 hours to leave the north of the territory.
Saudis call emergency meeting over Gaza
Saudi Arabia has called an urgent meeting of foreign ministers from the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, a 57-member bloc of Muslim countries, reports Times of Israel. The OIC says in a statement that the meeting will “address the escalating military situation in Gaza and its environs as well as the deteriorating conditions that endanger the lives of civilians and the overall security and stability of the region.” The meeting will take place on Wednesday in Jeddah.
BBC Broadcasting House sprayed with red paint
The BBC’s Broadcasting House headquarters in London has been targeted and daubed in red paint.
Presenter Victoria Derbyshire posted images and footage of the scene showing the vandalised revolving glass doors and pale stone brickwork at Portland Place as she arrived for work on Saturday morning.
The BBC has faced criticism in recent days for maintaining its editorial stance not to describe Hamas as terrorists.
But the Metropolitan Police said the incident has not yet been linked to any protest group.
Hundreds of protesters later gathered outside the media headquarters which was the starting point for a major pro-Palestinian march in the capital.
Palestine flags and supportive placards were waved as people chanted, with Metropolitan Police and community support officers stationed nearby.
280 wanted Palestinians across the West Bank arrested
IDF says troops have arrested 280 wanted Palestinians across the West Bank, including 157 affiliated with Hamas, since fighting began last weekend in southern Israel. Last night 25 Hamas members were arrested by the IDF, among them two senior members detained in Nablus, the military says.
UK’s biggest kosher supermarket launches ‘Help Us Help Them’ campaign
Donations can be made at any Kosher Kingdom check out.
UK flight lands in Cyprus amid Israel charter plane efforts
An RAF flight left Israel on Friday night, as part of a UK Government effort to get British nationals out of the country amid the escalating conflict in the region. The RAF flight carried passengers from Israel to Cyprus last night. It is understood that the air force is assisting the Foreign Office due to the current limited availability of commercial flights.
IDF says it killed top Hamas commando who led one assault
IDF says it has killed a commander in Hamas’s commando forces, who led one of the murderous attacks on southern Israel communities last week.
BBC’s front entrance daubed with red paint
Presenter Victoria Derbyshire tweets on her arrival at work...
Jewish News editor discusses Israel’s war on Hamas savagery on GB News
WATCH: Jewish News editor on GB News: “Israel faces the same challenge as the Allies in 1945. Back then Germany had to be de-Nazified. Today Gaza and the West Bank will need to be de-Hamasfied.”
‘It is an impossible war!’
Editor of The Jewish News, Richard Ferrer, gives his view on the atrocities arising in the conflict between Israel and the Hamas. pic.twitter.com/LA5Dfqv4VW
— GB News (@GBNEWS) October 13, 2023
‘Meet Ella: 8-years-old and kidnapped by Hamas’
Campaign against antisemitism have launched a poster campaign at 25 sites across London featuring an 8-year-old girl who has been kidnapped by Hamas and taken to Gaza.
4pm UK time deadline for safe passage in Gaza
Israeli says Gazans are safe on two main roads south until 4pm today.
Israel denies IDF recovered bodies of missing Israelis in ground raid
Israeli military contradicts earlier reports
Iran’s FM: ‘We will do all we can to stop the Zionist crimes in Gaza’
“The resistance (Hezbollah) is in excellent condition and in full readiness to respond to criminal acts by the Zionist entity,” Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian said during a visit to Beirut, Lebanon.
Socialist Worker’s response to Hamas barbarity – ‘Smash Israeli terror state’
A reader sent us this… The Socialist Worker newspaper on sale in Highbury & Islington on Friday. Less than a week after Hamas’ murderous raid on families in their kibbutzes its big message is “Smash Israeli terror state”.
IDF: Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar is a ‘dead man’
“The face of evil is Yahya Sinwar, he is the mastermind behind this, like Bin Laden. He built his career on murdering palestinians when he understood they were collaborators. He is the butcher from Khan Yunis (in Gaza). That man is in our sights. He is a dead man walking,” IDF spokesperson Richard Hecht told reporters on a military briefing that Jewish News was on.
IDF airstrikes kill several Hamas commanders in Gaza
IDF says fighter jets conducted wide-scale strikes throughout the Gaza Strip. These included dozens of Hamas terror targets as well as “Nukhba” terrorist operatives that were in a staging ground in the Gaza Strip.
“Nukhba” terrorist operatives were one of the leading forces that led the infiltration into Israel last Saturday. Furthermore, over the last day, IDF fighter jets struck operational headquarters used by the Hamas terrorist organisation from which the terrorist organisation’s aerial activity was managed.
During the strike, IDF fighter jets killed Merad Abu Merad who was the head of the Hamas Aerial System in Gaza City, and was largely responsible for directing terrorists during the massacre on Saturday.
Wall Street Journal: Egypt and U.S. close to pact allowing foreigner to leave Gaza
A senior Egyptian official told Wall Street Journal that Egypt and US are close to securing the release of foreigners from Gaza.
IDF retrieves several bodies of missing Israelis in Gaza
IDF spokesperson Daniel Hagari said that Israeli troops managed to retrieve the bodies of several Israelis in Gaza during a recent raid across the border.
The raid was meant to find missing persons, “purge the area of terrorists and enemy munitions” and destroy terrorist infrastructure and squads, “including a Hamas unit that fired anti-tank missiles toward Israel.”
Document left behind by terrorists shows Hamas fighters were instructed to kill civilians
The Kan public broadcaster says it uncovered a document left behind by a Hamas terrorist after last Saturday’s onslaught in southern Israel that gives orders to fighters to kill as many civilians as possible in their takeover of the town of Alonim, reports Times of Israel.
Community effort to send medical supplies to Israel’s soldiers
Fundraisers have bought medical and search and rescue kits to send to Israeli soldiers fighting on the front lines against Hamas terror.
Community memorial for the worst tragedy to befall the Jewish people since the Shoah
Memorial candles
Jewish News is proud to partner with ten Jewish organisations paying respects to Israelis murdered by Hamas terrorists.
The sombre evening service, taking place in north west London on Monday 16th October, 6.30pm – 8.30pm, has been organised by British Jewish organisations involved in Choose Democracy.
Click here for the full story.
1,799 Gazans killed, 6,388 injured — Hamas health ministry
1,799 Gazans have been killed, 6,388 injured in IDF airstrikes this week — Hamas health ministry
London sees ‘massive increase’ in antisemitic incidents and offences, Met says
London has seen a “massive increase” in antisemitic incidents since the Israel-Hamas conflict, from the playing of German military music to intimidation outside synagogues, the Metropolitan Police said.
Between September 30 and October 13 there were 105 antisemitic incidents and 75 antisemitic offences in the capital, compared with 14 incidents and 12 offences in the same period last year, according to figures from Scotland Yard.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor told a press briefing on Friday: “That is a massive increase in antisemitic crime and incidents.”
Hamas claims to have fired on northern Israel
The Hamas terror group claims to have launched Ayyash 250 rockets from the Gaza Strip at northern Israel, which have a range of 250 kilometers, reports Times of Israel. It appears to be the furthest location in Israel Hamas has targeted since fighting began last weekend.
220 arrested in West Bank since Saturday massacres
Israel has arrested 220 wanted Palestinians across the West Bank, including 130 affiliated with Hamas, since fighting began last weekend in southern Israel, reports Times of Israel.
Irish deputy PM calls on Israel to rescind Gaza evacuation order
Ireland’s deputy prime minister has called on Israel to rescind an order for citizens to evacuate Gaza, saying “two wrongs don’t make a right”.
It comes after the United Nations (UN) said it was told by the Israeli military that the approximately 1.1 million people in northern Gaza “should relocate to southern Gaza” within 24 hours, a move described by the international body’s humanitarian office as “impossible”.
Speaking at an event in Co Cork, Micheal Martin said: “We’re all witnessing the horrific outcome of the Hamas attack on Israel and random and indiscriminate murder of Israelis.”
PM asked if saying “Free Palestine” in public could constitute a crime
Rishi Sunak was asked if waving Palestinian flags or saying “Free Palestine” in public could constitute a crime.
He told broadcasters: “There’s very clear guidance for the police about the measures that they can take, but inciting violence, racial hatred, is illegal.
“People who are acting in an abusive or threatening manner causing distress are breaking the law.
“The police have the power and the tools that they need to ensure they can stop that from happening and you will see that in full force in the coming days, to make sure anyone who breaks the law meets the full force of that law.”
Tory MP Robert Jenrick says ‘we must – and will – do everything to support CST’
Pic: Robert Jenrick Twitter
Robert Jenrick, Conservative MP for Newark, Nottinghamshire, tweeted:
‘The work @CST_UK does simply shouldn’t be necessary. But as long as they are needed to protect the Jewish community in the UK, we must – and will – do everything we can to support them. Today I took some time to thank CST’s staff and volunteers for the work they do.’
Rishi Sunak: ‘Disgusting rise in antisemitic incidents in recent days
He told broadcasters in Gotland, Sweden: “Yesterday I chaired a meeting of police chiefs in Downing Street, together with the Community Security Trust, to specifically make sure that everybody in our Jewish communities can feel safe. There’s been a, quite frankly, disgusting rise in antisemitic incidents over the past few days.
“That’s not right. We have provided extra funding to the Community Security Trust to make sure that Jewish institutions – whether that’s synagogue or schools – have all the protection they need and the police have all the support that they need to ensure that our streets are safe for people from all communities.
Menorah High School for Girls in Brent is closed.
BBC says the headteacher made decision in view of planned protests.
Harry Potter author JK Rowling tweets support for UK’s Jewish community
JK Rowling Twitter
Sunak says ‘terrorism must not prevail’ as he meets allies in Sweden
Terrorism “must not prevail” in Ukraine or Israel, Rishi Sunak has told a summit of northern European nations in Sweden.
The Prime Minister is on the Baltic island of Gotland for a UK-led defence grouping, where the war in Ukraine and the escalating crisis in Israel and Gaza will top the agenda.
Women, 22, arrested on suspicion of supporting Hamas at protest in Brighton
A 22-year-old woman has been arrested on suspicion of supporting proscribed organisation Hamas at a protest.
She was held on Thursday under Section 12 of the Terrorism Act 2000, Counter-Terrorism Policing South East said.
It comes after an investigation into a speech made by a woman at the protest in Brighton on Sunday.
Superintendent Petra Lazar from Sussex Police said: “After reviewing footage from the protest event held in Brighton on Sunday October 8, the matter was investigated by Counter-Terrorism Policing South East. We will continue to support them as they conduct their investigation.
EXCLUSIVE: ‘I need my daughters. I need the world to see us.’
Maayan Zin’s 8-year-old and 15-year-old daughters were kidnapped from Kibbutz Nahal Oz and taken to Gaza on Saturday. (Viewer warning: attached video contains distressing images)
Click here for the full story.
John Mann ‘kept awake at night’ by the danger posed to Jews in Britain
John Mann said he is “kept awake at night” by the danger posed to Jews in Britain following the conflict in Gaza.
Speaking to LBC’s Nick Ferrari on Friday, Lord Mann said: “When schools are too scared to open, when families are scared to go out – it is scary, very scary.”
Shapps: Treat with “caution” but “deep concern” Hamas’s killed hostages claim
Defence Secretary Grant Shapps said he would treat with “caution” but “deep concern” Hamas’s claim that 13 hostages have been killed by the Israeli bombardment of Gaza.
Speaking to ITV’s Good Morning Britain and asked about the claim, Mr Shapps said: “First of all, I wouldn’t believe anything Hamas, a terrorist organisation… I wouldn’t believe what they say necessarily.
“Secondly, though, of course, we know that this is a very difficult situation. Hamas can resolve this of course simply by releasing the hostages, it’s as simple as that. They are believed to have about 150 or so hostages that they could release immediately.”
He added: “I would treat with caution, but still with deep concern, these types of reports.”
Police told: Clamp down on Hamas-related clothing and anti-Jewish chanting
The chair of the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners has suggested officers will clamp down on Hamas-related clothing and anti-Jewish chanting, as part of greater security measures in the UK to control unrest over the conflict between Israel and Gaza.
Speaking about a meeting chaired by the Prime Minister at Downing Street yesterday morning, Donna Jones told LBC: “It was about the preparations for this weekend.
“There is a pro-Palestine protest planned in central London which the Met are expecting over 10,000 people to attend on Saturday, so it was the Met officer providing reassurance to the Prime Minister, the Home Secretary and Michael Gove (Communities Secretary), who was also present at the meeting.
“It was also the Home Secretary and Prime Minister reiterating their strength of feeling around the fact that people using flags or wearing particular items of clothing or masks indicating support of Hamas is in fact an offence under terrorist law, because they are a proscribed terrorist organisation.”
Pushed for clarification on the issue, she confirmed it was not an offence to carry a Palestinian flag.
Ms Jones, also the acting Conservative police and crime commissioner for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, continued: “Whilst the Government’s position is very much supporting Israel and the atrocious attacks that have happened on the Israeli people… there are people who of course do empathise with those that live on the West Bank and people that represent the Palestinian region of that part of the Middle East, and of course this then does bring into play religion.
“We have to be really careful in Britain – we don’t want to inflame the situation.”
Mother-in-law of Scotland’s First Minister from Gaza: ‘Where is people’s humanity?’
Elizabeth El-Nakla – the mother of Mr Yousaf’s wife Nadia – visited Gaza last week with her husband Maged, but have since been “trapped” following the Hamas attack on Israel and subsequent reprisals.
Israel has since made a plea to Palestinians for them to move to the southern part of the Gaza Strip ahead of a possible ground offensive.
Speaking from Deir Al-Balah, south of Gaza City, in a video posted to X, formerly Twitter, by her son-in-law, Ms El-Nakla said: “Everybody from Gaza is moving towards where we are.
“One million people, no food, no water – and still they’re bombing them as they’re leaving.
“Where are you going to put them?
“But my thought is – all these people in the hospital cannot be evacuated.
“Where is humanity? Where’s people’s hearts in the world, to let this happen in this day and age? May God help us, goodbye.”
Chancellor: UK will do “everything we can” to support Israel
Speaking to Sky News during his trip to Marrakech, Morocco, for the annual meetings of the World Bank Group and International Monetary Fund, Jeremy Hunt said: “I think Israel has to know that we will do absolutely everything we can and (provide) absolutely everything they need to come to their defence in their hour of need.
“They are an ally of ours, they are a democracy, they share our values and we need to be there for them, just as they would be there for us.”
He added: “This is the most appalling, brutal, murderous terrorism that I think I can remember seeing in my adult lifetime. It is absolutely gruelling looking at those pictures.
“And I think we have to make sure as a world that we are absolutely united in our condemnation of what has happened.
“And I think it reminds us, unfortunately, that all this horror is not something that humanity has put behind us, and we have to think very carefully about that.”
The chair of the Football Association’s Faith in Football group, Rabbi Alex Goldberg, has resigned
Wembley Stadium
Rabbi Alex Goldberg told the FA that the group will no longer continue to work with it, in protest at the FA’s stance over honouring the victims of the Hamas attack on Israel.
Click here for the full story.
Jake Marlowe fundraiser launched in memory of Londoner murdered in Israel
Jake was working as a security guard at the Super Nova Music Festival before he was killed. The fundraiser has raised more than £15,000 already.
To view the GoFundMe, please visit: https://gf.me/v/c/gqpj/jake-marlowe
Gal Gadot, Michael Douglas and Jerry Seinfield amongst 700+ entertainment leaders standing with Israel
Image: CCFP
Leading members of the entertainment establishment have signed a powerful open letter condemning Hamas and call for the safe return of hostages in Gaza.
Mark Hamill, Gal Gadot, Michael Douglas, Jerry Seinfeld, Jamie Lee Curtis, Debra Messing, Liev Schreiber and Chris Pine are amongst more than 700 leading members of the entertainment industry to sign an open letter condemning Hamas.
The letter, seen by Jewish News, was released on Thursday by non profit entertainment industry organisation, Creative Community for Peace,(CCFP) in support of the Jewish state.
For the full story, click here.
Jewish schools Torah Vodaas and Ateres Beis Yaakov will be closed on Friday
Two Jewish schools in north London will not open tomorrow (Friday) amidst security concerns following the Hamas terror attacks in Israel.
Both the schools, Torah Vodaas Primary School in Brent Park Road, near Staples Corner, and Ateres Beis Yaakov Primary School in Green Lane, sent letters to parents informing them of the decision.
Torah Vodaas called it an “unprecedented move” and added that they had taken the advice of their rabbonim.
In a letter seen by Jewish News, Ateres Beis Yaakov school said the decision had been made for security reasons in light of alleged comments by a Hamas chief calling for Friday to be a day of protest in support of Palestinians.
UK military assets including Royal Navy vessels head to help Israel
The Prime Minister has directed UK military assets, including Royal Navy vessels and a company of Royal Marines, to be deployed to the eastern Mediterranean to support Israel.
Downing Street said maritime patrol and surveillance aircraft will begin flying in the region from Friday to track threats to regional stability, including monitoring activity such as the “transfer of weapons to terrorist groups”.
A Royal Navy task group will be moved to the eastern Mediterranean next week as a contingency measure to support humanitarian efforts.
Maccabi GB ‘disappointed’ at FA decision not to light up Wembley Stadium
In a statement sent to Jewish News, Maccabi GB say there are “disappointed” at the FA’s decision to not light up the Wembley Arches in Israel’s national colours this Friday at the England v Australia match.
“On Saturday 7th October 2023, 1,300 Israeli men, women and children were savagely slaughtered in one single day in the largest mass killing of Jewish people since the Holocaust.
“The colours of Israel’s flag have been displayed on government buildings across the country and key national landmarks across the world. The Wembley Arches were lit to commemorate previous terrorist attacks: The Bataclan attack in Paris in 2015, the attacks outside Besiktas’ stadium in 2016 and the Manchester Arena bombing in 2017.
“These were all extreme acts of terror that targeted innocent civilians for slaughter, just as we witnessed this week.”
Former Israeli Prime Minister to Sky News presenter: ‘Are you seriously asking me about Palestinian civilians? What is wrong with you? We’re fighting Nazis.’
Naftali Bennett was being interviewed by Sky News presenter Kamali Melbourne.
Click here.
Campaigns expert warns against Israel war misinformation
Suspected misinformation include claims that Hamas were accessing and messaging Jewish WhatsApp groups through phones seized from captured and deceased Israelis.
Click here for the full story.
Harry and Meghan are ‘supporting our partners on the frontlines in Israel’
A statement from the Duke and Duchess of Sussex:
‘At The Archewell Foundation, with Prince Harry and Meghan, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, we stand against all acts of terrorism and brutality. We are supporting our partners and organizations on the frontlines in Israel to provide the urgent aid needed, and to help all innocent victims of this unconscionable level of human suffering.’
‘Love should always prevail’ says Noam Sagi, whose mother has been kidnapped by Hamas
Noam Sagi, whose elderly mother has been kidnapped by Hamas, spoke at a live press conference in London this morning.
“We want generations to come together to have a better future. That was exactly what they told us. And we are now fighting for their future. Absolutely, yes. This is why we are here. No other reason.
“People listen to us now because we are in pain. Which is paradoxical. Because we are saying the right thing anyway. Love should always prevail. Faith should always take over. Good should always be before bad. Don’t listen to me because I’m in pain. Listen to me because I am absolutely right.”
“You Have Failed Us”. Letters by Hebrew University leadership to the Presidents of Harvard University and Stanford University
The leadership of the Hebrew University have issued a strongly-worded, unequivocal response letter to the presidents of Harvard and Stanford universities, following their weak condemnation of Hamas:
“You have failed us, not only as Israelis, who are subject to the imminent threat of being subject to genocide, but also as leaders of an academic institution, who expect their colleagues to present higher moral standards, and more courage.”
FA says ‘NO’ to lighting up Wembley Stadium in blue and white
Wembley Stadium
The Football Association will not light up the iconic Wembley stadium in blue and white in a show of support for Israeli victims of Hamas terror.
The announcement by the governing body of football for England is in marked contrast to the decision by 10 Downing Street, along with other locations across the capital including City Hall and Portcullis House, to do so and show solidarity with the Jewish state.
The FA statement reads:
“On Friday evening, we will remember the innocent victims of the devastating events in Israel and Palestine.
“Our thoughts are with them, and their families and friends in England and Australia and with all the communities who are affected by this ongoing conflict. We stand for humanity and an end to the death, violence, fear and suffering.
England and Australia players will wear black armbands during their match at Wembley Stadium and there will also be a period of silence held before kick off.
Following discussions with partners and external stakeholders, we will only permit flags, replica kits and other representations of nationality for the competing nations inside Wembley Stadium for the upcoming matches against Australia [13 Oct] and Italy [17 Oct].
Instead, England and Australia players will wear black armbands during their match at Wembley on Friday.
There will also be a period of silence held before kick off to “remember the innocent victims of the devastating events in Israel and Palestine.”
Light for Israel this Friday night
Light for Israel
United Hebrew Congregation Leeds’ Rabbi Albi Chait is calling on the Jewish community to light an extra candle this Shabbat in solidarity with the people of Israel.
He tells Jewish News: “A week into the most horrifying and shocking times of modern Jewish & Israeli history, I am finding the collective effort of all people in the world to support the State of Israel so incredibly heartwarming. We do have many friends in the wider community!
“I’d like us to spend this Shabbat reflecting on how we can best use the weeks to come; this is sadly, our generations moment to step up and do whatever is required to protect what is most important.
“An extra candle this Shabbat is something small but something great.
“In memory, in hope, in prayer, in thanksgiving, in solidarity and in the pursuance of lasting peace.
“A lot of littles makes a big difference.”
#lightforisrael
UK press conference today at 11am for British Israelis whose families have been kidnapped
Click here for the Jewish News YouTube channel.
EasyJet ‘cannot say’ when Israel flights will resume
EasyJet hopes to resume flights to and from Israel “as soon as possible” but “cannot say” when it will happen, chief executive Johan Lundgren said.
The airline suspended its Tel Aviv operations after Hamas’s attack on Saturday.
Flights have been suspended until at least October 17.
Minister ‘very concerned’ as antisemitic incidents up by 324% since Hamas attack
Antisemitic incidents in the UK have increased by more than 300% since Hamas’ attack on Israel, according to a Jewish security group.
The Community Security Trust (CST), which represents British Jews on issues of racism and policing, said it had recorded 89 incidents between October 7-10 that it classed as “anti-Jewish hate”.
Rob Rinder makes emotional plea for kindness after death of Israeli friends
Rob Rinder has made an emotional plea to social media users to “think carefully” before they post following the death of two of his friends in Israel.
OH Brown Bear cookie sale to support Magen David Adom or gifted forward to Israeli soldiers
To support the vital work of Magen David Adom, OH Brown Bear is offering boxes of 12 mixed cookies for £18.
ALL proceeds from the sale of these cookies will be given to Magen David Adom in their vital work today in Israel.
HOW DO I ORDER?
To purchase a box of cookies please click the link (www.ohbrownbear.com).
Once your order has been placed you will receive collection details for the bakery in NW London.
If you would prefer to gift it forward, then the box of cookies will be sent to Israel and distributed to soldiers on our front line by the Swords of Iron Mission, in their upcoming shipment flying out of the UK.
Any boxes of cookies that miss the shipment date will be distributed to Jewish families in need across the UK by GIFT.
Report: Egypt rules out evacuation corridor from Gaza
A senior Egyptian official dismissed a proposal to establish a corridor from Gaza to Sinai to allow Palestinians out as Israel carries out airstrikes, according to Times of Israel.
Exclusive: ‘I fight down panic. I cry. I grieve. I read too much news’
The words of a Jewish mother of two in Jerusalem, who made aliyah from London in 1996.
Click here to read the full story.
“There are times when humanity requires that if terrorism has meaning, you will label it as such.”
Former head of BBC TV News and a former editor of the Today programme Roger Mosey about the BBC’s reluctance to use the term “terrorist” and the BBC’s coverage of the Israel-Gaza war.
Mosey was speaking on Roger Bolton’s Beeb Watch.
Diplomats join American Jewish Committee in solidarity rally to support Israel
Israel UN Ambassador Gilad Erdan. Pic: AJC
The New York diplomatic community, including envoys from 60 nations, joined American Jewish Committee (AJC), the global advocacy organisation for the Jewish people, at the organisation’s headquarters on Wednesday for a solidarity rally with Israel to unequivocally condemn the Hamas massacre of more than 1,200 Israelis and the kidnapping of more than 200 people.
AJC CEO Ted Deutch told the standing-room-only crowd that the United Nations must “stand on the side of decency, and humanity.” He continued, “It does not go unnoticed that at a time like this, all of you, recognizing your own histories, all of the times that you looked to the world for support, acknowledge the importance of being here now, with one another, in support of Israel as Israel battles Hamas … as Israel stands up to evil on behalf of the world.”
Deutch was joined by Gilad Erdan, Israel’s ambassador to the UN and Tsach Saar, the Israeli Acting Consul General in New York.
8000+ petition BBC to call Hamas ‘terrorists’
A petition to the BBC to change their internal policy and refer to Hamas as “terrorists” has reached more than 8,000 signatures as of this morning, leaping from more than 2,000 on Wednesday evening.
Click here to view.
British Ambassador to Israel gives blood at MDA blood bank
Magden David Adom has released a picture of the British Ambassador to Israel joining life-saving efforts by giving blood at Magen David Adom’ national Blood Bank in Tel Hashomer.
Pic: MDA Twitter
Britain’s ambassador to Israel, Simon Walters, spent Tuesday afternoon donating blood via Magen David Adom in Tel Aviv
In a social media post the ambassador who only arrived in Israel a few weeks ago to take up his new role, wrote that he had gone to the MDA blood bank in Tel Hashomer Hospital. He said he was giving blood “just as thousands of Israelis have been doing across the country. Giving blood saves lives.”
Mr Walters asked others to join him in the blood donation drive.
Prince and Princess of Wales “utterly condemn horrors” inflicted by Hamas
The Prince and Princess of Wales are “profoundly distressed” at and “utterly condemn” the “horrors” inflicted by Hamas’s terrorist attack upon Israel, a Kensington Palace spokesperson said.
King Charles is “appalled” and condemns the “barbaric acts of terrorism in Israel”, Buckingham Palace sources have said.
King Charles III during a visit to the JW3 Jewish community centre in London as the Jewish community prepared to celebrate Chanukah. Picture date: Friday December 16, 2022.
He also telephoned Israeli president Isaac Herzog to express support for the people of Israel on Wednesday.
Palace sources said Charles has asked to be kept updated on the situation and his “thoughts and prayers are with all of those suffering”, a palace spokesman said.
The monarch is said to be “extremely concerned” about the attacks by Hamas, which began on Saturday.
The Israeli president thanked the King for his support at such a difficult times, a spokesman confirmed.
His support would be a great comfort to the people of Israel, he added.
Some 1,200 people have been killed in Israel, while more than 1,000 have died in retaliatory air strikes on Gaza.
The palace spokesman said: “This is a situation His Majesty is extremely concerned about, and he has asked to be kept actively updated.
“His thoughts and prayers are with all of those suffering, particularly those who have lost loved ones, but also those actively involved as we speak.”
Children invited to create drawings and letters of support for Israeli soldiers
One of the letters drawn by children to support soldiers in Israel.
Young Hearts letter writing campaign for Israeli soldiers
CST: please do not share rumours
CST is urging the community to stop spreading rumours about untrue threats and warnings on social media or via messages, to avoid spreading fear and causing alarm. The organisation says make sure that all information comes from a reliable source eg the government, the police or CST itself.
Suspicious activity nad anti-Semitic incidents should be reported to the police or to CST on 0800 032 3263 or incidents@cst.org.uk
Israel at war – a Jewish News directory of how YOU can help
One of the letters drawn by children to support soldiers in Israel.
Charities and social action organisations across the UK are urgently ramping up efforts to support and show solidarity with those effected by the terror Hamas terror attacks in Israel.
For a Jewish News directory of ways you can help, click here.
At least 89 antisemitic incidents reported to CST since Saturday
The number represents an increase of 324% over the same four days in 2022.
The incidents break down into 66 reports of abusive behaviour, 14 direct threats, 3 incidents of property damage and 6 assaults.
The reports were made between 7-10 October 2023, from the beginning of the Hamas terror attack on Israel on Saturday morning to the end of Tuesday.
Click here for the full story.
Buckingham Palace releases statement
“This is a situation His Majesty is extremely concerned about, and he has asked to be kept actively updated,” a spokesperson said.
“His thoughts and prayers are with all of those suffering, particularly those who have lost loved ones, but also those actively involved as we speak.
“Obviously it goes without saying that His Majesty is appalled by and condemns the barbaric acts of terrorism in Israel.”
Light a candle for Israel this Shabbat
Light up for Israel
In an initiative by United Hebrew Congregation’s Rabbi Alby Chait, the global Jewish community is being asked to light an extra candle in solidarity with Israel this Shabbat.
Stamford Hill community contact MP Lammy for help over family stranded in Israel
Labour’s David Lammy has confirmed he was received “dozens of emails” from members of the Stamford Hill community who have named family members unable to return to the UK from Israel.
Writing to foreign secretary James Cleverly, the MP for Tottenham said the emails “set out the very real fear they have for loved ones” and asked for clarification on when scheduled flights out of Israel to the UK are set to return.
Lammy said many of those contacting him said the were unable to find answers to their concerns from the foreign office website and were seeking clarification on what steps the government were taking to try to get those stranded back home.
Jewish schools network PaJes to run emotional wellbeing webinar TONIGHT
PaJes webinar.
The network supporting the community’s schools is running a FREE webinar this evening at 8pm.
The event run by PaJes will offer guidance on how to support your children with their emotional wellbeing and physical safety during the war in Israel.
To register, please click here.
Defence Secretary: Hamas is pure evil
The Defence Secretary described actions by Hamas in Israel as “pure evil” and encouraged people to refer to those who carried out the attacks as terrorists.
Speaking to GB News, Grant Shapps, who is in Brussels to attend a meeting of Nato defence ministers, said: “It’s just horrendous isn’t it. Reports of babies being butchered, festival goers as we heard the other day being slaughtered, even a Holocaust survivor being murdered.
‘Wembley should light its arch with the colours of Israel’s flag’
Sir Keir Starmer has said that Wembley should light its arch with the colours of Israel’s flag during England’s friendly against Australia.
The Labour leader told LBC radio: “I do think they should be on the arch because I think the message has to go out that we stand with Israel, the UK stands with Israel, and that is a manifestation of that support.”
Starmer: Israel has the right to besiege Gaza
The Labour leader told LBC radio: “I think that Israel does have that right. It is an ongoing situation.
“Obviously everything should be done within international law, but I don’t want to step away from the core principles that Israel has a right to defend herself and Hamas bears responsibility for the terrorist acts.”
Sir Keir’s wife Victoria is Jewish, and he said they have family in Israel who are being affected by the events.
“We have extended family in Israel and this will be typical of many people in Israel, families, communities, they have a deep sense of shock at what is happening,” he said.
“Fear overladen with a real anxiety that somehow they felt that with the Israeli intelligence and security – they always know they are under threat – but they felt there was a protection there and there’s huge anxiety that on this occasion that didn’t seem to operate in the way that they wanted.”
Pegasus flights to and from Israel temporarily suspended until further notice
Pegasus Airlines has announced that all its flights to and from Israel have been temporarily suspended until further notice “due to the ongoing developments in Israel.”
In a statement seen by Jewish News, it says flexible options are available for “any guests who wish to change or cancel their travel plans for their flights to and from Tel Aviv.
For tickets purchased on and before 7 October 2023, for flights between 7 October 2023 and 31 October 2023 (including these dates) from/to Israel;
You can change to an open ticket free of charge or
You can get full refund or
You can change the date free of charge.
See here for details.
Chaplains stand strong in support of Jewish students
Pic: University Jewish Chaplaincy
Jewish Chaplains at universities across the UK are dedicating extra hours to provide guidance, comfort, and a sense of belonging to Jewish students affected by the crisis in Israel.
Recent gatherings on campuses organised together with Jewish societies and UJS have shown the depth of solidarity among students.
In Birmingham, 150 students came together to offer prayers and support for Israel. In Leeds, an assembly of 200 students united in prayer and song to express their solidarity. A chaplain spoke at a local organised event in Oxford with 200 people in attendance our Chaplain spoke. Nottingham saw 110 students gathering to share their concerns and support one another, while Edinburgh saw 50 students coming together for a heartfelt get-together.
Rabbi Fishel Cohen, Birmingham and West Midlands Universities Chaplain said: “We are here for the students. No matter the circumstances, we stand with you, our students, support you, and are committed to fostering an environment of inclusivity, empathy, and understanding especially at times like these when campus life can be challenging for all Jewish students.”
Chaplains and students plan on holding further vigils and events during this time to show support to Israel.
If you would like to reach out to your university chaplain please click here.
Couple name their baby after Nathanel Young
Yehudis Kalish Sanders' Facebook Post
A couple living in Israel have named their new son after the British-born soldier killed in the Hamas attacks.
Click here for the full story.
Anti-tank missile was launched from Lebanon
Israel Defense Forces: An anti-tank missile was launched from Lebanon toward a military post adjacent to the community of Arab Al-Aramshe on the Blue Line.
Manchester and Leeds Jewish communities organise Israel solidarity vigils
Israeli flag
In the wake of the devastating attacks in Israel, the Jewish communities of Manchester and Leeds have organised two further vigils to honour and remember the victims, hostages, and the injured:
Manchester Vigil
Wednesday, 11th October, 5pm
St Peter’s Square, outside the Central Library, Manchester.
This vigil is co-organised by the Jewish Representative Council of Greater Manchester and Region, alongside the Jewish Leadership Council (JLC) and the Board of Deputies of British Jews. The police and the Community Security Trust will oversee the security at this event.
Leeds Vigil
Wednesday, 11th October
The Leeds Jewish community will hold a vigil in Leeds city centre on Wednesday evening and meet and invite the entire city to join us as we mourn the victims of terror.
Leeds City Council are supporting the Leeds Jewish community by lighting the town hall in the colours of the Israeli flag, as has been done in important cities around the world, including those with a far smaller Jewish community in Leeds.
Attendees should note that these gatherings are vigils, marked by moments of quiet reflection, rather than rallies or marches.
Chief Rabbi of South Africa to announce special prayer for Israel
Rabbi Warren_Goldstein Pic: Wikipedia
The Chief Rabbi of South Africa Warren Goldstein will be issuing a statement today, calling for Jewish unity.
The statement will include a special prayer, to say when lighting Shabbat candles, for the state of Israel.
Argentina, Canada, other countries plan airlifts to help their citizens leave
Argentina is launching an airlift to evacuate its citizens from Israel, four days after Hamas attacked Israel, killing and wounding thousands of people and spurring a war that could be long-lasting.
The Foreign Ministry opened a hotline on Saturday, the day of the attack, for Argentinian citizens to request repatriation. Foreign Minister Santiago Cafiero said on Tuesday that more than 713 requests had been received.
(JTA report)
Thai death toll rises to 20
Twenty Thai nationals have been killed by the terror assault on Israel, the kingdom’s government says, up from the previous toll of 18, reports Times of Israel.
Hamas says Palestinian death toll from airstrikes at 950
The terror group says some 950 Palestinians have been killed and another 5,000 have wounded in Israeli airstrikes since Saturday.
New picture of British-born soldier Corporal Nathanel Young
New picture from the family of British-born soldier Corporal Nathanel Young, 20, whose funeral took place in Jerusalem on Monday. It was taken on the day he completed training. Also confirmed dead was ex-Glaswegian Bernard Cowan, whose funeral has already taken place privately in Israel and whose family are sitting shiva in Glasgow.
Jets pound targets in Gaza overnight
IDF says it’s upping efforts to kill Hamas leaders as parts of Gaza are laid to dust.
Cairo informed Israel is readying for ‘months-long operation
Egyptian source says Cairo has been informed that Israel is gearing up for months of battle.
Gallant: Israel moving to full offence
IDF spokesman says military’s top priority is to ‘eliminate senior Hamas officials’.
Malala Yousafzai “grieving” for children “caught in the middle”.
Malala Yousafzai, who was shot by a Taliban gunman in 2012, has called for “immediate ceasefire” to the conflict in Israel, saying she was “grieving” for the Palestinian and Israeli children “caught in the middle”.
In a post to X, formerly known as Twitter, Ms Yousafzai, 26, said she was “only 11 years old” when she “witnessed violence and terrorism” and “peace became something we could only dream about”.
In 2012, a gunman from the Taliban shot Ms Yousafzai in the head as she rode home from school on a bus in Pakistan’s Swat Valley. She was 15 years old at the time.
The Nobel Peace Prize winner wrote online: “I join the call for an immediate ceasefire. As I have processed the tragic news of the past days, I think of the Palestinian and Israeli children caught in the middle.
“I was only 11 years old when I witnessed violence and terrorism. We woke up to the sounds of mortar shells, saw our schools and mosques destroyed by bombs. Peace became something we could only dream about.
“War never spares children – not those kidnapped from their homes in Israel, not those hiding from airstrikes or without food and water in Gaza. Today, I am grieving for all the children and people longing for peace and justice in the Holy Land.”
Israel moving to full offence: ‘Gaza will never return to what it was’
Defence Minister Gallant says “Gaza will never return to what it was.”
Emergency government progress made.
JFS Head: “We prayed for Nathanel Young and his family and we prayed for those who are still missing”
Headteacher Dr David Moody with JFS pupils earlier this year
The headteacher of JFS has told Jewish News of the support it is putting in place for students during the war in Israel.
Dr David Moody says: “We prayed for Nathanel Young and his family and we prayed for those who are still missing. There are too many stories of heartache across the school and to everyone affected, we embrace them with nothing but love.”
Click here for the full story.
Hamas terrorists beheaded babies in kibbutz
IDF reveals unspeakable scenes of horror where countless people were massacred, including babies with their heads removed.
Rocket launched from Gaza appears to land in northern West Bank
A rocket launched from the Gaza Strip reportedly landed in the northern West Bank, reports Times of Israel.
Footage published by Palestinian media shows smoke rising from an open area near Jenin.
Yavneh Head urges kids to come off TikTok to avoid “distressing” Israel content
Social media (Photo by Adem AY on Unsplash)
The executive headteacher at Yavneh College has sent parents an email advising them to ensure their children remove the social app ‘TikTok’ from their phones.
In an email seen by Jewish News, Mr Lewis, executive headteacher, writes:
“I have been informed of some extremely distressing videos that might be released on Tik Tok regarding the war in Israel.
“I would advise removing that app from your children’s phones and/or talking to them to make sure they do not watch them. The task of shielding our children from what is happening is difficult and delicate, we need them to be educated and aware but not traumatised and scared. Not an easy task.”
Prime Minister: ‘Support Hamas’ barbaric acts and you will be held to account’
Anyone in the UK found to be supporting Hamas in the wake of its “barbaric acts of terrorism” on Israel will be held to account, the Prime Minister has vowed.
Orthodox mental health charity running FREE emotional support webinar
A charity providing emotional support for orthodox Jewish girls is running a webinar tonight for those traumatised by current events in Israel.
Suitable for parents, teachers and secondary school students, Noa Girls’ “Talking to Adolescents about the Crisis in Israel” will include advice from a Harley Street therapist.
Jewish News understands that Yavneh College is one of the schools taking part.
The free webinar is open to everyone across the community and will cover how to process information for teachers, parents and students alike. The webinar will also be talking about how much information is too much.
Tamara Jacobson, Director of Operations, Noa tells Jewish News: “We are working with a number of Jewish secondary schools to offer them what they need.”
For more information, click here.
Charities call for Israel-Hamas de-escalation as they claim ambulances bombed
UK aid charities have called for urgent de-escalation in the conflict in Israel and Gaza, amid claims ambulances carrying the injured have been hit by air strikes.
Save the Children UK said its teams and their families in Gaza are “terrified” and humanitarian access is “desperately needed”.
Another charity, Islamic Relief, called for an urgent ceasefire to prevent more civilian suffering, and said getting food, medical supplies and fuel into Gaza alongside humanitarian aid is now vital.
Palestinian militant group Hamas – which is banned as a terrorist group by the UK Government – sent fighters across the border to Israel and fired thousands of rockets in an unprecedented attack on Saturday.
John McDonnell urges supporters of Palestinians to push for ceasefire
Senior Labour MP John McDonnell urged supporters of the Palestinian people to “mobilise” to press for a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel to prevent a possible “annihilation of civilians” in Gaza.
The former shadow chancellor told a Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC) event on the fringe of the Labour conference that the Middle East could be set “alight” in a way never witnessed before without de-escalation.
Labour leadership has been clear in condemning the wave of killings unleashed by Hamas and backing Israel’s right to respond to free its people taken hostage in Gaza.
But some on the left of the party have spoken up in support of the Palestinian people as Israel implements a full “siege” on more than two million people.
Hamas warns citizens of Ashkelon to leave before 5pm
Hamas has warned residents of Ashkelon to leave the area before 3pm UK time.
It said: “In response to the enemy’s crime of displacing our people and forcing them to flee their homes in several areas of the Gaza Strip, we give the residents of the occupied city of Ashkelon a deadline to leave it before 5pm this evening.”
1,700 sing Hatikvah in solidarity with Israel
Inside Finchley United synagogue, Monday 9th October. Pic: Michelle Rosenberg
A packed synagogue in north London sang the national anthem of the Jewish state at a prayer evening with the Chief Rabbi and UK Prime Minister on Monday evening.
The poignant event in support of Hamas terror victims in Israel was attended by 1,700 guests and viewed by more than 20,000 online. Click here to watch.
Footage: Kathryn Isaacs, vice chair, Hampstead Garden Suburb Synagogue
2,806 injured Israelis brought to hospitals since Saturday morning
The Health Ministry says that as of 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, 2,806 injured people have been brought to hospitals since Saturday morning at the start of the cross-border attack by Hamas, reports Times of Israel.
Of them, 26 have been in critical condition, 336 in serious condition, 534 in moderate condition, and 1,479 in light condition.
Another 107 were treated for psychological shock, and 210 are still undergoing medical assessment.
Hamas: 770 dead in Gaza, 4,000 wounded
The Hamas-run health ministry says 770 Palestinians have been killed and another 4,000 have been wounded in Israeli airstrikes in the Gaza Strip, reports Times of Israel.
The Israel Defense Forces has said it has killed some 1,500 Palestinian terrorists in Israeli territory.
Report: Egypt warns Israel not to try and send Gaza residents to Sinai
According to Israeli media, Egypt has warned Israel not to try and re-settle Palestinians from Gaza to the Sinai desert.
BREAKING: Church group of 30 Britons await escape
Members of a group of about 30 British tourists stuck in Israel with their church have said they can hear bombs from their hotel in Jerusalem as they await a flight out of the country.
A group from the Serbian Orthodox Church of the Holy Prince Lazar in Birmingham, which includes mostly British members and children as young as six, travelled to the region on October 1 to visit holy sites.
UK citizens wanting to fly home from Israel face flights struggle
UK citizens trying to fly home from Israel face a struggle to book flights.
Flights between Tel Aviv and the UK have either been cancelled, are fully booked or only have a few spare seats costing more than £1,200 each.
EasyJet usually serves Gatwick, Luton and Manchester Airports from the Israeli city but has paused operations on those routes.
Wizz Air, which normally connects Israel with Gatwick and Luton, has also suspended those flights.
Virgin Atlantic has cancelled one of its two daily return flights between Tel Aviv and Heathrow until at least Wednesday.
Its other daily return flights are still operating but there is no availability on its UK-bound services until next week.
British Airways is continuing to run flights between Tel Aviv and Heathrow, with adjusted departure times.
People wanting to book a seat on the next available flight are being charged £1,204 to travel on Wednesday.
That is more than treble the price of a flight on the same route a week later, when the cost is just £385.
Israeli flag carrier El Al has no availability on flights to the UK until next week.
Several airlines have introduced flexible booking policies, enabling customers to change their travel dates free of charge.
The Government has not provided an estimate on how many UK citizens are in Israel.
A travel industry source said the number of UK tourists in Israel is low.
Israel’s ministry of tourism said it is “committed to ensuring that all tourists visiting Israel are safe and informed”.
EXCLUSIVE: CST says antisemitic incident reports have tripled and volunteer numbers have soared
Pro-Hamas graffiti in Golders Green.
CST have told Jewish News that the number of calls it has received concerning anti-semitic incidents has tripled from “what we would expect for the three days Saturday to Monday.”
It says it expects the number to go even higher once all calls have been processed and verified.
CST Director of Policy Dave Rich tells Jewish News: ““The rise in antisemitic incidents is deeply troubling, but sadly not unexpected. We encourage everyone to report incidents to us and, importantly, to the police, and we are working flat out to support everyone who gets in touch.”
In response to public calls for support, CST adds that: “The unprecedented number of people coming forward to volunteer for CST is a sign of the strength and resilience of our community. We welcome all applications to help protect our community. Please apply at cst.org.uk.”
Candlelit vigil for Israel in Glasgow
The Glasgow Jewish community is holding a silent and peaceful vigil for the victims of Hamas terror in Israel on Wednesday 11th October.
It will take place at 7pm on the steps of the city’s Royal Concert Hall.
Police Scotland have been informed and will be in attendance for the duration.
Israel kills terror cell hiding on Israeli beach
Israeli elite Maglan unit has killed a Palestinian terror cell hiding on Zikim beach adjacent to the Gaza border.
Israel At War – how can YOU help?
Downing Street in blue and white. 'We Stand with Israel'
Charities and social action organisations across the UK are urgently ramping up efforts to support and show solidarity with those effected by the terror Hamas terror attacks in Israel.
Many charities have opened emergency appeals including:
1. UJIA (Israel at War Emergency Appeal)
Click here.
2. Magen David Adom, Ambulance & Mobile Intensive Care Unit – responsible for 96% of Israel’s Blood Service
www.mdauk.org/operationironswords
3. United Hatzalah of Israel (Ambulance & Paramedics are in desperate need of equipment to supply aid for the community and the battlefield.
Click here.
4. ZAKA (Search & Rescue – Chesed Shel Emet)
Click here.
5. Keep Olim which supports lone soldiers. Click here
6. Swords of Iron CharityExtra campaign by Natalie and Josh Kanter to raise 6 million ILS / 1.27m GBP. for affected families via the social welfare departments of the municipalities of Be’er Sheva, Ofakim, Sderot, Ashkelon, Eshkol, Hof Ashkelon, Sdot Negev and Sha’ar Ha’Negev. Click here.
In addition, an ‘Am Y’Israel Chai’ Amazon Wish List has been organised by a member of the London Jewish community. It will allow you to directly purchase items including first aid kits, water bottles and sleeping bags. Click here.
And social action GIFT Charity is collecting items TODAY (Tuesday) including socks and batteries for Israel’s soldiers.
GIFT
Iran denies attack on Israel
Tuesday morning’s denial comes soon after the country’s president congratulated Hamas.
Foreign Secretary to BBC: ‘Hamas are terrorists, not militants…recognise that’
Foreign Secretary James Cleverly took a veiled swipe at the BBC’s reporting on Hamas on Tuesday morning as he blamed the Palestinian group for making the situation worse for people in Gaza.
Speaking to BBC Breakfast, he said: “The situation for Palestinians in Gaza is, of course, very difficult.
“The point I would make is that Hamas have, in a very real sense, created a much worse situation for the Palestinian people in Gaza.
“Hamas, which is a terrorist organisation, I just want to make sure that you recognise that in your reporting.
IDF: 123 Israeli soldiers killed, 50 kidnapped
The Israeli army confirms that at least 123 Israeli soldiers have been killed and another 50 kidnapped and taken hostage by Hamas in Gaza.
Foreign Secretary: “Significant number” of UK-Israel dual nationals caught in conflict
Foreign Secretary James Cleverly indicated that a “significant number” of British-Israeli dual nationals have been caught up in the conflict in Israel and Gaza.
He declined to confirm reports about the numbers affected, telling LBC: “The situation is fast-moving. It is complicated. I’m uncomfortable giving numbers. Even from the Israeli government, a lot of the figures about the casualties and fatalities are as yet to be fully confirmed.
“So I don’t really want to speculate but we do know that a significant number of British-Israeli dual nationals have been in some way involved in the terrorist atrocities.
“The exact numbers, it’s difficult to say at this time, and I don’t want to give a running commentary, but we will stand ready to support families of those people who are either concerned or have family or loved ones who have been injured in any way.”
Growing calls to establish emergency, unity government
Justice Minister Yariv Levin and Minister of Aliyah and Integration Ofir Sofer, (both from Likud) joined the long list of Israeli politicians calling on the establishment of an emergency, national unity government “as soon as possible.”
Home Secretary visits Barnet Jewish community to show solidarity
Pic: @MPSBarnet
UK Home Secretary Suella Braverman visited Barnet in north London Monday evening in a show of support for the Jewish community.
She met with Rabbi Chaim Pinter, headteacher at Yesodey Hatorah School (YHS) school in Stamford Hill and the son of Rabbi Avroham Pinter, the founder of Pinter Trust, the public-facing organisation representing Britain’s strictly-Orthodox Jews.
Pic: The Pinter Trust
In a statement issued on X, formerly known as Twitter, Braverman said: “The UK stands with Israel in her fight against the barbaric attack by Hamas terrorists. There is no place on British streets for demonstrations that glorify terrorism.”
American Jewish Committee calls on UN to condemn Hamas terrorism in Israel
The AJC meeting with Israeli FM Eli Cohen, September 2023. Pic: AJC Facebook
The American global advocacy organisation for the Jewish people is urging members of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to issue a condemnation of Hamas’s terror attack against Israel.
Following the body’s emergency session Sunday, the American Jewish Committee (AJC) welcomes statements from individual member states expressing solidarity with Israel and urges key UN bodies and other multinational institutions to follow suit.
AJC CEO Ted Deutch said: “The global community needs to recognize the atrocities committed by Hamas in Israel as what they are – acts of terror and war crimes.
“AJC welcomes the many statements of support for Israel from countries around the world and we are urging all UN Member States, including multiple members of the Security Council, to unequivocally condemn these terrorists and the brutal attack on Israel and Israelis.
“Hamas is cruelly and deliberately targeting innocent Israeli civilians and has made clear that it does not care about the innocent Palestinians in Gaza who are suffering under its oppressive and corrupt rule and brutality.”
Flag of the State of Israel screened on the walls of the Old City
Pic: Arnon Bossani
Jerusalem is screening the Israeli flag on the Chords Bridge located at the entrance of the city, and on the walls of the Old City in the section between Tzahal Square and the Jaffa Gate.
The Mayor of Jerusalem, Moshe Lion said in a statement Monday night: “The capital of Israel, Jerusalem, mourns and grieves the loss of life in the conflict, strengthens the people of Israel, the security and rescue forces, prays for the healing of the wounded, and the fast return of the captivated and the missing to us. The city of Jerusalem stands beside you every step of the journey. Am Yisrael Chai!”
The White House lights up in white and blue for Israel
The White House is lit in blue and white, the colors of the Israeli flag, to underscore U.S. solidarity with Israel, Monday, Oct. 9, 2023, in Washington. (AP/Jon Elswick)
The White House in Washington DC has been lit up in the blue and white colours of the Jewish state.
It echoes fellow symbolic displays of support for Israel from across the world, including the Sydney Opera House in Australia, 10 Downing St. in London, the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin and Ground Zero in New York City.
The outer exterior of the White House is lit up in blue and white on October 9, 2023, in solidarity with Israel following the Hamas terror attacks over the weekend. (Brett McGurk/X), via Times of Israel
“This is not some distant tragedy,” said President Biden in statement on Monday evening. “The ties between Israel and the United States run deep.”
He added: “I have directed my team to work with their Israeli counterparts on every aspect of the hostage crisis, including sharing intelligence and deploying experts from across the United States government to consult with and advise Israeli counterparts on hostage recovery efforts.”
Israeli Air Force airlifts troops who were abroad to join fight
The Israeli Air Force has airlifted hundreds of Israeli troops who were abroad across Europe over the past day, in order for them to fight in the ongoing war against the Hamas terror group in the Gaza Strip.
‘Terrorists still hiding out inside Israel’
i24 reports that terrorists remain unaccounted for inside Israel and they may have been fresh infiltrations.
IDF: ‘1,500 Hamas terrorists dead inside Israel’
Gaza border now under control as terrorist body count reaches 1,500.
Israel says it has now attacked more than 2,500 sites in the Gaza Strip
Terror groups, undeterred, have continued to fire rockets into Israel overnight.
Israel to Gazans: ‘Flee to Egypt while you can’
The Israeli military advises Palestinians to leave the Gaza Strip for Egypt amid the ongoing war with the Hamas terror group.
“Rafah crossing is still open. Anyone who can get out, I would advise them to get out,” says Lt. Col. Richard Hecht in a call with foreign reporters.
(Times of Israel)
IDF releases footage showing several Gaza strikes
The video can be viewed HERE
Israel strikes more than 200 Gaza targets overnight
The IDF says it struck more than 200 targets in the Gaza Strip overnight.
The IDF says the sites include a weapons storage site in a mosque, an apartment used by Hamas’ anti-tank guided missile forces, and a high-rise tower used by the terror group, among other military installations.
Israel estimates between 100-150 people held hostage in Gaza
Israel’s ambassador to the UN, Gilad Eran, said an estimated 100-150 Israelis are held hostage in Gaza.
Israeli ambassador to the U.N. Gilad Erdan on the hostages held in Gaza: “We estimate a number that is between 100 and 150. I think it's an unprecedented number…It includes Americans. We don't know the exact number.” pic.twitter.com/I6W3UciKaM
— Kaitlan Collins (@kaitlancollins) October 10, 2023
IDF says Israel regained full control of Gaza border
“In the last day, not a single terrorist entered via the fence,” IDF spokesman, Daniel Hagari, said.
IDF to inform over 100 families loved ones are hostages
The Israel Defence Force is sending out officers today to inform over 100 Israeli families that their relatives are being held in Gaza by Hamas, Times of Israel is reporting.
UN Ambassador Gilad Erdan tells CNN that Israel estimates “that the number is between 100-150 people.”
IDF releases names of 38 more soldiers killed in Gaza war; official toll at 123
Maj. Ido Yisrael Shani, 29, the deputy commander of the Nahal reconnaissance unit, from Ramat Gan
Maj. Tal Cohen, 30, a Sayeret Matkal soldier, from Ganei Tal
Maj. Mordecai Shamir, 29, an officer in the Infantry Corps, from Yakir
Cpt. Raz Peretz, 24, a Golani commander, from Afula
Cpt. Hadar Kama, 24, a Sayeret Matkal soldier, from Givat Shapira
Lt. Dekel Suisa, 21, a Golani commander, from Bar Giora
Master Sgt. (res.) Tal Maman, 38, a local security officer, from Mivtahim
Master Sgt. (res.) Lior Ben Yaakov, 44, a local security officer, from Yesha
Master Sgt. (res.) Yuval Gabai, 35, a commander in the Border Defense Corps
Sgt. First Class Imri Belkin, 25, a Lotar instructor, from Ramat Hasharon
Sgt. First Class Yosef Malachi Guedalia, 22, a Duvdevan soldier, from Jerusalem
Staff Sgt. Moshe Danino, 21, a Golani soldier, from Haifa
Staff Sgt. Yaad Ben Yaakov, 20, a Golani soldier, from Petah Tikva
Staff Sgt. Max Ravinov, 21, a Unit 414 soldier, from Ashdod
Staff Sgt. David Retner, 20, a Golani soldier, from Ashdod
Staff Sgt. Jonathan Golan, a soldier in the 7th Armored Brigade, from Yehud
Staff Sgt Yogev Aharon, 20, a Golani soldier from Pardes Hana
Staff Sgt. Amit Peled, 21, an Egoz unit soldier, from Haifa
Staff Sgt. Adi Tzur, 20, a Golani soldier, from Jerusalem
Sgt. Yakir Levi, 21, a Golani soldier, from Moreshet
Sgt. Benjamin Lev, 23, a Paratrooper, from Jerusalem
Sgt. Amichay Yaakov Vaninu, 22, a Maglan commander, from Katzrin
Sgt. Itay Nahmias, 20, a Multidomain Unit soldier, from Yesha
Sgt. Tomer Barak, 20, a Golani soldier, from Petah Tikva
Sgt. Evyatar Ohayon, 22, a Golani soldier, from Jerusalem
Cpl. Shir Biton, 19, a medic in the Gaza Division, from Ashdod
Cpl. Osher Shmia, 19, a soldier in the Gaza Division, from Beersheba
Cpl. Shir Shlomo, 19, a Home Front Command soldier, from Netanya
Cpl. Ofir Testa, 21, a soldier in the 7th Armored Brigade, from Jerusalem
Cpl. Ariel Ohana, 19, a Paratrooper, from Revadim
Cpl. Hallel Shmuel Saadan, a Nahal soldier, from Barkai
Cpl. Erez Ariel, 19, a Golani soldier, from Amuka
Cpl. Sivan Simcha Asraf, 20, a signals soldier, from Ashkelon
Cpl. Ram Meir Batito, 19, a Golani soldier, from Netanya
Cpl. Amir Lavi, 19, a Nahal soldier, from Jerusalem
Cpl. Uriel Segal, 19, a Golani soldier, from Petah Tikva
Pvt. Ili Azar, 18, a soldier in the Gaza Division, from Shefayim
Rishi Sunak addresses north London synagoue
Prime minister says: “Hamas are not militant. They are terrorists. We will not tolerate this hate. I will stop at nothing to keep you safe. I stand with Israel. Today, tomorrow and always. The hope of Israel is built on the very best of humanity. The days and weeks ahead will be difficult, but when we say we stand with Israel, we mean it. Am Yisrael chai.”
French police report rise in anti-Jewish attacks
French police have arrested 10 people in connection with antisemitic acts that were reported since the latest fighting between Israel and Hamas militants began.
The 20 reported incidents included threats to synagogues or people frequenting Jewish stores, the interior minister said Monday.
John McDonnell at union-led event organised in solidarity with Palestinians
Former Labour frontbencher John McDonnell appeared at a union-led event organised in solidarity with Palestinians to raise fears of the “nightmare situation” for people in Gaza.
Meanwhile, shadow exports minister Afzal Khan apologised after posing for a photograph in front of a Palestinian flag saying “end apartheid now”.
Board of Deputies president’s speech at Israel vigil
“Thank you all for coming to this vigil at such short notice.
The tragedy of the last few days cannot be easily expressed. 50 years to the day since Israel was attacked on Yom Kippur, it has happened again, this time on the Festival of Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah. A period which is traditionally filled with happiness and rejoicing has been transformed into one of profound mourning and grief.
Hamas, a terrorist organisation with genocidal antisemitic aims, has murdered more than 600 Israelis. They have dragged scores of hostages into Gaza. We have seen their despicable treatment of the captured and their defilement of the dead. Make no mistake – this was a pogrom. And it took place in front of the eyes of the entire world. There can be no more equivocation and no more misrepresentation, particularly by media outlets who appear to prefer not to call Hamas what they are and what they have been proscribed as by the British Government – a terror organisation. This must end now.
Hamas, under its founding charter, believes in the murder of all Jews it can reach, and it demonstrated this vividly on Shabbat. Those worldwide who are cheering them on, including in this country, are despicable. They should be shunned as pariahs by anyone with a shred of decency.
I want to thank the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition for their unequivocal support for Israel in the face of this murderous rampage by Hamas. I would also like to thank the Home Secretary and the Mayor of London for publicly making it clear that the safety of the British Jewish community is a key priority, given the record of increased antisemitism here whenever Israel responds to Hamas attacks. And of course, we are grateful to both the police and the CST for their vigilance against those who would do us harm.
We are here this evening, united. Left and Right, Orthodox and Progressive, Young and Old. We are here to mourn the fallen, to stand with the survivors, and to say, loud and clear – Am Yisrael Chai – The Children of Israel Live!”
UK reviewing its aid to Palestine.
Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden said the UK was reviewing its aid to Palestine.
He told ITV’s Peston: “We are currently reviewing our aid. It is already the case, though, that we go through a very rigorous process for the sort of aid we provide.
“It’s also very important to appreciate that we shouldn’t clump together the Hamas terrorists in the Gaza Strip who have carried out these attacks and the Palestinian Authority and the Palestinian people.
“It’s just important to keep those two things separate. But of course, we will look at that aid.”
Palestinian flag draped atop a lamp post opposite the Israeli embassy in London.
A Palestinian flag has been draped atop a lamp post opposite the Israeli embassy in London.
As a demonstration occurred outside the building’s entrance, a protester climbed about 30 feet to attach the red, white, black and green flag to cheers from the hundreds below.
A firework was also fired at the embassy building.
Netanyahu compares Hamas to Islamic State
“We always knew what Hamas is. Now the world knows. Hamas is Islamic State,” Prime Minister Netanyahu says.
Rescue group uncovers 100 bodies in Kibbutz
ZAKA search and rescue group uncovered some 100 bodies in Kibbutz Be’eri, according to Israeli media.
Palestine’s ambassador to the UK; Six members of my family died today
Palestine’s ambassador to the UK has said six members of his family died today from an Israeli bombardment as he accused the nation of a “war crime” by cutting water an electricity from Gaza.
Husam Zomlot told a Labour and Palestine event on the fringes of the party conference: “I have family in Gaza and it broke my heart just before I walked here to receive the news that I lost six of them only two hours ago because of an Israeli bombardment over their home.”
He said a cousin died, along with two of her children, adding: “Together with her husband and their mother in law the entire family was wiped out.”
He said Israel is seeking revenge for the Hamas atrocity, having condemned the killing of civilians.
“What Israel is doing now is revenge. Sheer vengeance.
“Those are civilians, families. It’s not gonna resolve anything. Cutting water and electricity from two million people is a collective punishment. It’s a war crime. It’s not gonna lead anywhere.”
Braverman urges police chiefs to crack down on anti-Jewish hate
Police chiefs have been urged to step up patrols to prevent anti-Jewish disorder following the renewed violence between Hamas and Israel.
Home Secretary Suella Braverman has written to forces in England and Wales telling them to “use all available powers to prevent disorder and distress to our communities”.
She said officers should “act immediately to crack down on criminality, both in our streets and online”.
Ms Braverman said: “The barbaric attack on Israel by Hamas terrorists who have massacred civilians and kidnapped the most vulnerable, including the elderly, women and children, is truly sickening.
“The UK stands unequivocally with Israel in her fight against this evil.
Hamas threatens to begin killing hostages as death toll rises to at least 900
Army spokesman says last terrorists being purged from southern communities, no more breaching frontier; residents in north told to stay near shelters amid rising border tensions
Hamas threatens to execute Israeli hostages if airstrikes on Gaza continue
“Any targeting of innocent civilians without warning will be met regretfully by executing one of the captives in our custody, and we will be forced to broadcast this execution. We regret this decision but we hold the Zionist enemy [Israel] and their leadership the responsibility for this,” said Abu Obeida, spokesman for Hamas’ Qassam Brigades.
Manchester Jewish community says “thoughts and prayers are with the citizens of Israel at this worrying time”
Chair of the JRC and JLC Trustee, Mark Adlestone at a JCR interfaith Sukkot evening.
The council representing Manchester’s Jewish community says it is “shocked, traumatised and utterly appalled by the tragic scenes that have unfolded after Hamas terrorists infiltrated Israel on the morning of Saturday 7th October.”
Like many organisations, the Jewish Representative Council of Greater Manchester & Region (JRC) had been prevented from commenting until now due to the festival of Simchat Torah.
It adds that: “Hamas is an internationally proscribed terrorist organisation which deliberately target innocent men, women and children. Their actions have rightly been unequivocally condemned around the world and we therefore support Israel’s right to defend herself against these terrorist atrocities.
“The Jewish community in Greater Manchester and the surrounding regions have deep links with Israel. Many will have close family and friends directly targeted during this outrage.
“As the representative body for the community across the region, we are also concerned due to conflict in the Middle East resulting in a surge in antisemitic hate crime on the streets of Greater Manchester. Over many years, this has been repeatedly referenced in our meetings with those elected to represent us.
“We are monitoring the situation and will work closely with our national communal leader- ship in London and key stakeholders across the region. We are grateful for the reassurance received from Greater Manchester Police who have directly been in contact to convey their support.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the citizens of Israel at this worrying time”.
UK, US, Germany and France to talk about Israel-Gaza crisis
Leaders from the US, UK, Germany and France will discuss war between Hamas and Israel, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said: “The United States, Britain, France, and Germany are united.”
“I’m at this vigil to say ‘Dayenu'” says peace protestor outside Downing Street
Ben Bar-Lev, far left, at the peace vigil outside Downing Street, Monday 9th October 2023
A member of Maidenhead Synagogue has told Jewish News he has come to tonight’s vigil outside Downing Street to represent “one voice – one strong powerful voice from the Jewish community” in saying ‘Dayenu’ (Enough).
35-year old Ben Bar-Lev from Oxfordshire added:
“I’m here to ensure we will continue to support our loved ones and dear friends who out in Israel now are fighting for their lives and their country.
At the Downing Street solidarity vigil. Pic: Ben Bar-Lev
“Today’s vigil is our place to show distraught sadness but to (also) show our solidarity and voice that together we will ensure we win against the evil that is Hamas. Enough is enough and this is the time to ensure in London and around the world we install the power we have.”
Bar-Lev is one of at least a thousand people taking to the street at Downing Street to show solidarity with Israeli victims of the Hamas attacks.
Lisa Nandy: The UK should review aid given to Palestinians
Lisa Nandy has contradicted a fellow shadow minister by saying the UK should review aid given to Palestinians in the wake of Hamas’ deadly attack on Israel.
Wayne David, shadow Middle East minister, earlier said the UK should increase its support for Palestinians.
Asked about his remarks, Ms Nandy told a conference fringe event: “We’ll always support the Palestinian people. We know that the situation for many Palestinians is one of utter despair and hopelessness about the stalled prospects of peace and security and prospects for their children.
“But in light of current events, it’s right that the UK considers how British money is being spent and whether that British money is being used appropriately or whether it’s being used to support acts of terrorism.
“And it’s something that I will be raising with (Tory Foreign Office minister) Andrew Mitchell today as a matter of priority.”
Moment’s silence in memory of those killed in Israel at Labour conference
Labour deputy leader Angela Rayner asked delegates to stand for a moment’s silence in memory of those killed in Israel.
She said: “I know you will all be appalled by the shocking situation and events in Israel where over 1,000 people, including at least 10 British citizens, are feared to have lost their lives.”
CST urges community to be vigilant
The CST has issued guidelines for the Jewish community following the terrorist attacks by Hamas across Israel.
Previous outbreaks of conflict in the Middle East have triggered a rise in antisemitic hate incidents across the UK, as well as demonstrations that can include “anti-Jewish and extremist chanting and placards, and spikes in hateful content on social media.”
CST says it will continue to monitor the situation closely and strongly urges the Jewish community to remain alert throughout the festival period and beyond.
If you witness anything suspicious, please report this to police on 999 IMMEDIATELY and then CST. If you experience antisemitism, please report to police on 999 (if urgent ) / 101 (non-urgent) and then CST.
CST’s 24-hour National Emergency Number is 0800 032 3263, please put this number in your contacts so it is available if you need it.
SECURITY REMINDERS
CST continues to ask members of the community and security personnel to:
- Keep gates and doors closed at all times and when open ensure they are guarded, so they can be closed quickly.
2. Be alert for suspicious people and activities including parked cars and unattended items.
3. Engage with and challenge (if it is safe to do so) and report suspicious people
4. Avoid congregating outside communal buildings and events: please disperse quickly after leaving
5. Prevent ‘tailgating’ – someone following close behind and attempting to gain access to the building when gates or doors are opened
6. Refresh your team’s knowledge of your emergency procedures, ensuring they are clear on what to do when locking down or evacuating.
Met police say Golders Green restaurant attack was robbery and not hate crime
Kosher restaurant Pita, Golders Green. Pic: Jewish News
The Metropolitan Police say that vandalism at a kosher restaurant in Golders Green was a robbery and not a hate crime.
Social media was flooded with images of the smashed glass frontage of kosher restaurant Pita. There were fears it was an anti-semitic attack following three days of brutal Hamas terrorism in Israel.
The police statement reads:
“We were were called at approximately 06:10hrs on Monday, 9 October to reports of a burglary and damage caused to a restaurant in Golders Green Road, NW11. It was reported that a cash register had been stolen. Officers have attended the scene and examined CCTV at the location.
“Enquiries into the circumstances are ongoing. At this early stage, detectives are treating this incident as part of potential linked series of burglaries at commercial premises in the local area – and is not being treated as a hate crime at this time.
Local officers remain in the area and we will continue to engage and reassure the local community.
Anyone with information that could assist police is asked to speak to one of our local officers, contact police on 101 or ‘X’ @MetCC quoting CAD 1077/9Oct”
Barnet Council leader reassures Jewish community following pro-Hamas graffiti
Pro Palestinian graffiti sprayed on a railway bridge in Golders Green, north London. Monday October 9, 2023.
Following the defacement of bridges in Golders Green with pro-Hamas graffiti, the leader of Barnet council, Cllr Barry Rawlings has sent a message to the Jewish community.
He tells Jewish News: “We know how worried and anxious members of Barnet’s Jewish community are owing to indiscriminate terrorism in Israel. I know myself from speaking to my Jewish friends, residents and colleagues that many have loved ones directly affected by these terrible events.
“We are working closely with the Metropolitan Police, The Community Security Trust (CST) and community leaders.
“The police have set up a command structure and are actively deploying enhanced visible patrols to schools’ premises, faith premises, as well as affected businesses and charities.
“If any Barnet resident experiences or sees hate crime they should report it to the police or third-party reporting organisations such as the CST or Tell MAMA.
“Barnet takes pride in being a borough of many faiths and communities. As we deal with the challenges of the immediate situation, we will ensure that we continue to work together.”
Jewish News to offer free advertising space to pro-Israel groups
Israeli flag
In an unprecedented step and in light of the atrocities we have witness unfold in Israel, Jewish News is cancelling all paid-for advertising in this week’s issue of the paper.
This is in order to provide communal organisations supporting the Jewish state’s response, or supporting Israelis in their hour of need, with free advertising space.
Please do not hesitate to contact us if we can help.
Islamic Jihad says it infiltrated Israel-Lebanon border
Palestinian Islamic Jihad has claimed responsibility infiltrating the Israel-Lebanon border.
Lebanon border residents instructed to enter shelters until further notice
The IDF Home Front Command has instructed all residents of Lebanon border communities to enter bomb shelters until further notice.
United Synagogue ‘Pray for Israel’ online event tonight at 8.30pm
You can join the event HERE
Israeli airstrikes hit targets in Lebanon
The IDF confirmed that combat helicopters attacked Lebanese territory, in response to two mortar shells fired from Lebanon at Israel earlier today.
Oil prices rise over fears about wider Middle East conflict
Oil prices have surged higher as Hamas’s attack on Israel deepened tensions across the Middle East and raised worries over crude supplies.
Brent crude jumped more than 5% at one stage to 89 US dollars a barrel, before edging back slightly to stand 3.3% higher at 87.27 US dollars.
Swissquote Bank’s markets expert said the attack “sent a panic wave into financial markets”, although London’s blue chip share index was boosted by gains from defence stocks and oil giants, with the FTSE 100 Index up 0.4% or 33.4 points at 75327.96 in mid-morning trading on Monday.
While Israel is not an oil producer, there are concerns that the conflict could spark uncertainty across the entire Middle Eastern region and in particular affect major producers Iran and Saudi Arabia.
Oil prices rise over fears about wider Middle East conflict
Oil prices have surged higher as Hamas’s attack on Israel deepened tensions across the Middle East and raised worries over crude supplies.
Brent crude jumped more than 5% at one stage to 89 US dollars a barrel, before edging back slightly to stand 3.3% higher at 87.27 US dollars.
Swissquote Bank’s markets expert said the attack “sent a panic wave into financial markets”, although London’s blue chip share index was boosted by gains from defence stocks and oil giants, with the FTSE 100 Index up 0.4% or 33.4 points at 75327.96 in mid-morning trading on Monday.
While Israel is not an oil producer, there are concerns that the conflict could spark uncertainty across the entire Middle Eastern region and in particular affect major producers Iran and Saudi Arabia.
Humza Yousaf: My in-laws are trapped in Gaza after Hamas attack on Israel
Scotland’s First Minister has said his parents in-law are “trapped” in Gaza after visiting family, leaving him worried if they will “make it through the night”.
The parents of Humza Yousaf’s wife, Nadia El-Nakla, were in Gaza visiting family when Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel this weekend, killing hundreds, according to reports.
Speaking to journalists on Monday, a visibly emotional Mr Yousaf said: “As many will know, my wife is Palestinian, her mum and dad, my in-laws, who live in Dundee, live in Scotland, they’ve been in Gaza and are currently trapped in Gaza, I’m afraid.”
The couple went to visit the 92-year-old mother of Mr Yousaf’s father-in-law when the Hamas attack took place.
BREAKING: EU suspends $728million in development aid to Palestinians
It has placed the funds “under review” after the Hamas assault/
El Al offering cheap flights Israel to London
El Al is offering its cheapest flights to the UK from Israel, as other airlines halt their services.
Mortar shells fired at Israel from Lebanon
The Israeli army says that two mortar shells were fired at Israel from Lebanon.
Birkenhead councillor Jo Bird flies Palestinian flag at home
The Green Party councillor has since taken the flag down – an apparent statement of support for Hamas – after “numerous complaints” according to a local resident
Sadiq Khan: I’m proud the colours of the Israeli flag lit up City Hall’
The mayor of London said he understood why some in the community in London were ‘petrified’ about further attacks following the brutal Hamas terrorist atrocities in Israel
Benjamin Netanyahu warns: “Our response will change the Middle East”
Israel’s prime minister has just made this chilling pledge on Israeli TV: “Our response will change the Middle East.”
Israel media: ‘Two infiltrators from Lebanon killed’
Gunfire and explosions heard on Lebanon frontier; several injured as rocket fire targets south.
Netanyahu: Israel’s response to Hamas attack will ‘change the Middle East’
Prime Minister Netanyahu says that Israel’s response to the massive terror attack launched by Hamas will “change the Middle East.”
‘A very dark time’: World Jewish Relief calls for aid to Israelis
Press release: World Jewish Relief has traditionally focused our work outside of Israel, so we’d like to take the opportunity to encourage anyone looking for a way to show their support to assist those agencies capable of providing critical assistance to people on the ground. This includes:
UJIA, who have led on organising a community wide response: support here.
Magen David Adom: support here.
JDC: support here.
New Israel Fund: support here.
ZAKA: support here.
Israeli official denies report of Qatar-mediated negotiations for prisoner swap
An Israeli official says “there is no negotiation” for the release of hostages, responding to an earlier claim by a Hamas source that Israel had been in touch with Qatar as a mediator.
The denial comes as Reuters confirms earlier reporting by the Chinese Xinhua news agency, saying Qatari mediators have been in touch with Hamas officials in a bid to secure the release of Israeli women and children held in Gaza in exchange for 36 Palestinian women and children held in Israeli prisons.
(From our partner Times of Israel)
Two more fallen police officers named
Police name another two officers killed during fighting with Hamas terrorists in southern Israel.
They are identified as Master Sergeant Uriel Avraham, a member of the Negev Yasam patrol unit, and Master Sergeant Eliyahu Michael Harush, a patrolman at the Sderot station.
Police have so far named 37 officers killed in the fighting.
(From our partner Times of Israel)
‘Palestine will be free’ sprayed on a railway bridge in Golders Green
Pro Palestinian graffiti sprayed on a railway bridge in Golders Green, north London, an area with a prominent Jewish population, as the death toll rises amid ongoing violence in Israel and Gaza following the attack by Hamas. Picture date: Monday October 9, 2023.
2T0W680 Pro Palestinian graffiti sprayed on a railway bridge in Golders Green, north London, an area with a prominent Jewish population, as the death toll rises amid ongoing violence in Israel and Gaza following the attack by Hamas. Picture date: Monday October 9, 2023.
Some 400 Israelis rescued by IDF in Gaza border community
Some 400 Israelis from Nahal Oz near the Gaza border have been rescued by Israeli soldiers, according to the IDF.
More than 10 Britons now feared dead or missing in Israel
More than 10 Britons now feared dead or missing in Israel, Sky News is reporting. It was previously understood there were two. More to follow…
Report: Hamas in talks to exchange Israeli hostages with Palestinian prisoners
Hamas is currently in talks with Qatar about the possibility of exchanging Israelis held hostage in Gaza with Palestinian prisoners.
According to Reuters, Hamas wants to free 36 Palestinian women from Israeli jails in return for women and children held hostage in Gaza.
Britain ‘does not plan to redeploy military assets to the Middle East’
Britain does not plan to redeploy military assets to the Middle East following events in Israel, No 10 has said.
It comes after the US announced it would be sending a carrier strike group to the eastern Mediterranean to support Tel Aviv.
The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said: “There are no plans to redeploy UK military assets to Israel.
“We do have assets already in the region. HMS Duncan is deployed in the Mediterranean under Nato command.
“Obviously we have our permanent maritime presence in the Gulf and a base at Akrotiri (Cyprus) as well.
“But we do have a broad defence and security relationship, and obviously we stand ready to offer humanitarian support as well.”
Foreign Secretary visits the Israeli embassy in London
Foreign Secretary James Cleverly visited the Israeli embassy on Monday as he stressed UK support in the wake of the attack by Hamas.
In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, he said: “We will not stay silent as innocent Israelis are murdered by Hamas.
“Terrorism will not prevail.
“Earlier today I visited the Israeli embassy in London to express this government’s support for Israel.”
‘Britain could provide intelligence support to Tel Aviv’
The Prime Minister described the UK as “one of Israel’s strongest allies” as he suggested Britain could provide intelligence support to Tel Aviv.
Speaking to Jeremy Vine on BBC Radio 2, Rishi Sunak said he had told Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the UK would be “fully supportive of Israel and their efforts to defend themselves against what are appalling acts”.
Asked whether that support could see Britain send military assistance, Mr Sunak said: “There is a range of things that we have done in the past and, indeed, we are one of Israel’s strongest allies.
“In fact, we have provided the kinds of equipment they have been using to defend themselves over the past couple of days.
“But we stand ready to support them any which way we can, whether that is diplomatically with intelligence or security things.”
He said Monday’s Cobra meeting would “discuss the situation further”.
Former Defence Minister calls for Gaza ground invasion
Former Defence Minister and Yisrael Beytenu leader, Avigdor Liberman, said: “Eliminating Hamas is what is required in the situation that has been created; unfortunately that requires entry on the ground to Gaza City. We have to clean out the stables. Just as we recently entered Jenin, so must we also go into Gaza City.”
Hamas claims 4 Israelis held in Gaza killed in IDF airstrikes
“The bombardment overnight and today on the Gaza Strip led to the killing of four of the enemy’s captives and their captors,” said spokesman of the Hamas armed wing, Abu Ubaida.
UJS sets up dedicated welfare helpline for Jewish students on campus
Statement released by UJS on Sunday 8th October 2023
The Union of Jewish Students (UJS) are working on a range of support measures for Jewish students on campus including setting up a dedicated welfare hotline that students can call at any time with any concerns.
The number is 020 7424 3288.
This afternoon UJS will hold a closed briefing for Jewish student leaders updating them on the latest situation and giving security advice to students on campus.
They are also aware of incidents on campus of antisemitism and demonstrations of support in favour of the Hamas massacre this weekend.
UJS says it “will be leading the community in calling out those who seek to promote and glorify terrorism and antisemitism on campus.”
If students experience antisemitism, they should contact the UJS team, report the incident to CST, and if there is an ongoing incident or if in immediate danger always call 999.
UJS will also be coordinating student donations in support of Israel.
UJS Head of Campaigns, Guy Dabby-Joory has said: “Thousands of Jewish students across the country have spent the past three days checking up on their family and friends in Israel and bracing themselves for a wave of antisemitism on British campuses. Meanwhile, their fellow students leading these societies have glorified and celebrated the murder and kidnap of hundreds of innocent men, women and children by a terrorist group proscribed in the UK. We urge the universities and students’ unions where these societies are registered to take harsh action against this despicable celebration of violence.”
Wizz Air and Virgin Atlantic cancel Tel Aviv flights
Wizz Air and Virgin Atlantic have cancelled flights to and from Tel Aviv.
British Airways has also made changes to its flight schedule as airliners try to grapple with the violent situation in the country.
A Wizz Air spokesperson said: “Due to the situation in Israel, we have cancelled flights to and from Tel Aviv until further notice.
“We are continuing to monitor the situation closely and are in touch with the relevant authorities.
“The safety and security of our passengers and crew is our number one priority and all affected passengers will be contacted via email or text.”
Virgin Atlantic said its VS453 service from London Heathrow to Tel Aviv had been cancelled on Monday and Tuesday, whilst the return VS454 flight would also not fly on both days or Wednesday.
It added some other flights to and from Tel Aviv may face delays or cancellations, and those booked who do not wish to travel can rebook for another travel date with no additional fees until Sunday or receive a full refund.
British Airways said it was continuing to monitor the situation in Israel “very closely” and had also introduced a flexible booking policy for customers, whilst flights over the coming days will operate with “adjusted departure times”.
A spokesperson from the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) said: “The Foreign Office advises against all but essential travel to Israel and if you are due to travel imminently you should discuss your options with your travel agent or tour operator.
“If you’re travelling on a package and your holiday has been cancelled due to the advice change, you can either defer your date of travel, travel to an alternative destination or receive a full refund.
“If you’re travelling independently you will need to discuss your options with your airline and accommodation providers.”
UJS ‘working on a range of support measure for Jewish students’
“We are working on a range of support measure for Jewish students on campus including setting up a dedicated welfare hotline that students can call at any time with any concerns. The number is 020 7424 3288.
This afternoon UJS will hold a closed briefing for Jewish student leaders updating them on the latest situation and giving security advice to students on campus.
We are also aware of incidents on campus of antisemitism and demonstrations of support in favour of the massacre this weekend.
UJS will be leading the community in calling out those who seek to promote and glorify terrorism and antisemitism on campus.
If students experience antisemitism, they should contact the UJS team, report the incident to CST, and if there is an ongoing incident or if in immediate danger always call 999.
UJS will also be coordinating student donations in support of Israel.”
Labour’s shadow chancellor rejects suggestion Hamas attack caused by ‘occupation’
Labour’s shadow chancellor has said a “terrorist attack” caused the Israel-Hamas conflict as she pushed back against suggestions Israel’s “occupation” of Gaza was to blame.
Rachel Reeves said she had “no time” for people cheering for the Palestinian cause on the sidelines of Labour’s annual conference in Liverpool.
She said Israel has “every right to defend itself” after Hamas’s deadly surprise assault, which provoked a furious response from Israel, leaving more than 1,100 dead on both sides.
The senior Labour figure insisted the party was standing by the people of Israel as she faced questions about the appearance of the top Palestinian diplomat in the UK at the conference.
Pro-Israel and pro-Hamas demonstrators face off in Manhattan
“From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free,” one chant at the Times Square rally went. “New York City you will see, Palestine will be free.”
Visiting the wounded, Herzog hails Israelis’ resilience, heroism and ‘huge heart’
Visiting the wounded at Beersheba’s Soroka hospital, President Isaac Herzog offers a message of unity to Israelis and a warning to Hamas.
He says that in the hospital rooms he has seen “what Israeli resilience is, what Israeli heroism is.”
Speaking in front of cameras, Herzog says Israelis are showing their core values, “a huge heart, a sense of mission, unity, social cohesion.”
(From our partner Times of Israel)
IDF says it has regained control of all Gaza border towns but terrorists may remain
Defence minister announces ‘complete siege’ of Strip; rocket fire resumes, including on Jerusalem and Tel Aviv; some 500 said killed in Gaza as military launches massive strikes
4 Argentine Israelis dead, others missing from kibbutzes
Argentina’s Jewish community is reeling after at least four people with local roots were killed in the Hamas attack on Israel Saturday, while several others are missing and feared kidnapped or dead.
The distress is being acutely felt in Buenos Aires, which until Saturday held the ignominious record of being the site of the worst terrorist attack on Jews since the Holocaust. Eighty-five people died in the 1994 bombing of the headquarters of AMIA, Argentina’s umbrella Jewish organization. At least 700 people died in Saturday’s surprise attack by Hamas, which like the assumed perpetrators of the AMIA bombing is linked with Iran.
From left to right: Abi Korin, Silvia Mirensky and Rody Skariszewski are among the Argentines confirmed dead in Hamas’ October 2023 attack on Israel. (Facebook)
Israel’s Defence Minister orders ‘complete siege on Gaza’
Israel’s Defence Minister Gallant ordered a “complete siege on Gaza. We are fighting human animals, and we act accordingly.”
Chatham House: Israel’s failure to prepare for attack was “colossal collapse” of information
Israel’s failure to prepare for Hamas’ attack was a “colossal collapse” of information gathering, an associate fellow at Chatham House has said.
Speaking to the PA news agency, Professor Yossi Mekelberg said: “This is a colossal collapse, not only of information gathering, but the concepts of when Hamas would attack, and with what motivations or capabilities.
“How were they able to train despite the blockade, how did they train paragliders?”
He said that questions would have to be asked about how Hamas’ fighters were able to enter Israel.
“Despite (Israel) investing billions and billions of dollars on blocking tunnels and building a sophisticated fence, (Hamas) still managed in a matter of hours to enter into Israel.”
He added that Israel’s intelligence “definitely wasn’t good enough”.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak says he would not speculate on Iran links
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said he would not speculate on the suggestion that Iran may be linked to attacks in Israel.
Speaking on a visit to a business in Nottinghamshire, Mr Sunak was asked if he now supports proscribing Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
Mr Sunak said: “With regard to Iran, I’m not going to speculate on the origins of all of this. There will be time for that in due course.
“I have said previously that Iran and its actions poses a real threat to the security and safety of all of you, the British people, and that’s why we’ve already taken quite strong action against the Iranian regime, not least sanctioning over 300 people, including the IRGC in its entirety.”
He added: “With regards to the proscription, it’s not something that routinely governments have ever commented on. But I can remind you that Hamas, who is claiming responsibility for the attacks in Israel, is a proscribed terrorist organisation under UK law.”
He went on: “We will stand steadfast with Israel in supporting them to defend themselves against these appalling acts of terrorism.”
IDF ‘hopeful other parties will come into the conflict with Hamas’
The international spokesperson for the Israel Defence Forces has dismissed questions about Israeli intelligence failures and said he is hopeful that “other parties will come” into the conflict with Hamas.
Lieutenant Colonel Richard Hecht said Israeli forces were still fighting on the ground and described the attacks by Palestinian militants as the “worst massacre of Israeli civilians in our history”.
Rishi Sunak to hold a Cobra meeting later today
Rishi Sunak said that he will hold a Cobra meeting later today, amid ongoing clashes between Israel and Hamas.
Speaking to businesses in Nottinghamshire, the Prime Minister said: “We already have a very longstanding relationship with Israel, we’re one of their strongest allies.
“We’ve provided in the past the kinds of equipment that they’ve used to defend themselves over the past couple of days.
“And as I said to the Prime Minister (Benjamin Netanyahu), we will continue to provide – whether that’s diplomatic, intelligence or security support – as they need.
“I’m chairing a Cobra with my ministerial colleagues this afternoon, when we’ll continue to discuss the situation, but we’re in close dialogue with our Israeli counterparts.”
IDF: Hamas’ leader is a ‘dead man’
IDF spokesman, Rear Adm. Hagari, said that Hamas’ leader, Yahya Sinwar is “a dead man. Hamas’s military and political leadership, all of its assets, are attackable, and doomed.”
Appeal: Shopping for supplies for Israeli soldiers
Dear Friends and Family outside Israel,
We’re shopping now for supplies soldiers up north and down south, (including my son in law and other family members)
Army socks
Portable chargers
Vestunderwear
Towels
Flipflops for shower
We are being swamped with these grassroots requests locally and everyone is mobilising to help so if you want to give whatever you can through us for urgent grassroots supplies I can give you our bank details and then we will of course let you know what you supported
Otherwise go online now and give direct to the friends of IDF organisations- in the long run this will be the best way for now we need grassroots giving
Rocket sirens sound across central, southern Israel
Hamas fired a new barrage of rockets at southern and central Israel. Loud explosions were heard in Tel Aviv.
City Hall lights up in solidarity with Israel
City Hall, October 8th, 2023
London’s City Hall is the latest iconic location across the capital to show solidarity with the Jewish State by lighting up in the colours of the Israeli flag.
Others doing the same include 10 Downing Street and Portcullis House.
As reported by Jewish News, the action sends a clear and unambiguous message in the wake of pro-Hamas events staged in UK cities on Sunday.
The prime minister tweeted a picture of Downing Street in blue and white with the simple message: We stand with Israel”
Minister warns warns potential protesters to be “extremely cautious”… they “cannot glorify Hamas”
Communities minister Lee Rowley has warned any potential protesters in the UK to be “extremely cautious”, saying they “cannot glorify what Hamas has done” in Israel.
Asked on Sky News about people protesting the situation in Israel and Gaza, and about flying the Palestinian flag, Mr Rowley said: “You cannot support proscribed organisations like Hamas within the United Kingdom, and if that’s the case then I would expect police to take action accordingly.
“There is a right to protest. We have to respect the right to protest. I have no idea … why people would do that. We have just seen a clear terrorist attack on Israeli soil.”
He added: “I would encourage people not to go out and to protest in a way that they can. But, ultimately, there is a right to protest, but there is not a right … to glorify terrorism.
“People shouldn’t break the law. People should also have the decency to recognise that over 1,000 people have died over the weekend in a completely unprovoked attack, and I would be very cautious about what people are doing.”
Put to him that some may be offering support to those in Gaza, he said: “It is incumbent upon us all to recognise that Israel has a right to defend itself, has a right to resolve the issues which are going on.
“What happens on the streets of the UK is that people should be extremely cautious and know exactly where the law is, and they cannot glorify what Hamas has done.”
Chief Rabbi: Every Jewish family in the UK has been affected “in one way or another”
Every Jewish family in the UK has been affected “in one way or another” by the events in Israel, the Chief Rabbi of the United Hebrew Congregations of the Commonwealth said.
Sir Ephraim Mirvis told Sky News: “The first question we are asking people when giving them a call in the UK is ‘how is everyone in your family?’
“Because there certainly isn’t a Jewish family in the UK which hasn’t been affected in one way or another by this.
“And also, I have been inundated with so many messages of support and solidarity from so many people throughout Britain, and I sense that there is no civilised person who can be unmoved, who can’t be deeply shocked by these scenes, by seeing what has transpired.
“I know that there are many, many people who are with those who are suffering in Israel right now.”
UK working to help families of Britons as Israel conflict intensifies
Foreign Office officials are assessing the situation in Israel and Gaza as the death toll continues to rise, with fierce fighting ongoing in the wake of an attack by Hamas.
Among the dead is 20-year-old Nathanel Young, a Briton serving in the Israeli Defence Services who died on the Gaza border on Saturday.
At least 700 people have reportedly been killed in Israel and more than 400 have been killed in Gaza, over two days after Hamas launched its unprecedented attack.
It comes as Israel intensified its bombardment of the Gaza Strip after declaring war and vowing to destroy the “military and governing capabilities” of Hamas.
UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak condemned “the appalling act of terror” by Palestinian militants as the Government continued to establish the status of UK citizens.
JLC and Board of Deputies “mourn for those killed by murderous Hamas terrorists”
Downing Street in blue and white. 'We Stand with Israel'
Leading communal bodies thank the Prime Minister and Keir Starmer for “unequivocal support for the people of Israel” and urge community to gather at tonight’s public vigils across London.
Click here for the full story.
“Free Palestine” graffiti scrawled overnight on Golders Green bridges
Graffiti on Golders Green bridge, Monday 9th October 2023
Defacements comes as terror in Israel moves into its third day with at least 700 citizens dead.
Click here for this developing story.
The origins of Hamas
Hezbollah chief Hasan Nasrallah (l) Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh (r)
In its brutal medieval approach to human life, Hamas does not differentiate between Left and Right, between old and young, between Zionist and Jew, writes Colin Shindler, professor of Israel studies.
Click here for the full story.
“Mum, the terrorists have broken into the house.” Nine hour kibbutz siege by Hamas terrorists at Kibbutz Nirim
Deborah Mintz’s daughter Aimee, husband Uriel and baby Kai
Their home set on fire to “smoke them out”, mother of 11-day old baby boy describes horrific ordeal at Gaza border.
Click here for the full story.
Former Londoner caught up in Hamas terror attacks
Clive Hart with his wife Tamar
Clive Hart and his wife Tamar experienced a terrifying Shabbat in Sderot with sirens, rockets and gunfire.
Click here for the full story.
Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis “shocked by unimaginable, unprecedented brutality”
“We have emerged from two days of Jewish holidays this evening to be confronted by the unimaginable scale and unprecedented brutality of the terrorist attacks on innocent civilians across Israel. We are shocked and devastated by the inhumanity of the mass murder, kidnapping and purposeful desecration of Jewish life. We pray for a speedy recovery for the injured, and we mourn alongside the thousands of families grieving the loss of loved ones and those left agonising over what will become of the captured. The loss of every innocent life is a tragedy regardless of where it is taken and from the depths of our hearts we turn Heavenwards and pray: May He who makes peace in high places bring peace to us and to all Israel. Amen.”
Lawyers to meet tomorrow to hash out the details of emergency unity government.
Lawyers for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and National Unity party leader Benny Gantz are expected to meet tomorrow, in an attempt to hash out the details of an emergency unity government. A spokesperson for National Unity confirms to The Times of Israel that a meeting is in the process of being scheduled.
(From our partners Times Of Israel)
United States leads calls for condemnation of a Hamas at United Nations
The United States has led calls for condemnation of a Hamas assault on Israel as the United Nations Security Council opens an emergency session on the crisis. “I expect to hear from the other council members very strong condemnation of these heinous acts of terrorism committed against the Israeli people and their government,” senior US diplomat Robert Wood tells reporters.
Authorities name 57 soldiers, 34 police officers killed in Hamas attack
The Israel Defence Forces killed:
Col. Roi Levy, 44, the commander of the Multidomain Unit, from Shavei Tzion
Lt. Col. Sahar Machluf, 36, the commander of the 481st Signal Battalion, from Modiin.
Lt. Col. Yonatan Tzur, 33, the commander of the Nahal Reconnaissance Battalion, from Kedumim.
Maj. Chen Buchris, 26, the deputy commander of Maglan, from Ashdod.
Maj. Amir Skuri, 31, a Sayeret Matkal soldier, from Jerusalem.
Maj. Ariel Ben Moshe, 27, a Sayeret Matkal commander.
Maj. Avraham Hovlashvili, 26, an officer in Carcal, from Ashdod.
Maj. Ido Yehoshua, 27, an Israeli Air Force instructor.
Maj. (res.) Omri Michaeli, 35, a Duvdevan soldier, from Nes Tziona.
Cpt. Adir Ovadi, 23, a commander in the Home Front Command, from Modiin.
Cpt. Yotam Ben Bassat, 24, a commander in the Multidomain Unit, from Bat Hefer.
Cpt. Arye Shlomo Ziering, 27, an Oketz officer, from Raanana.
Cpt. Tal Grushka, 25, a Nahal officer, from Kfar Saba.
Lt. Or Moses, 22, a commander in the Home Front Command, from Ashdod.
Lt. Yiftah Yaabetz, 23, a commander in Maglan, from Ramat Hasharon.
Lt. Menashe Yoav Maliev, 19, an officer in the 7th Armored Brigade, from Kiryat Ono.
Lt. Or Yosef Ran, 29, a commander in Duvdevan, from Itamar.
Lt. (res.) Ido Edri, 24, an infantry officer, from Givaton.
Lt. Shilo Cohen, 24, a Shaldag soldier, from Sderot.
Lt. Shoham Tomer, 23, a Nahal officer, from Srigim.
Lt. Itay Maor, 23, a Golani officer, from Rosh Haayin.
Lt. Rom Shlomi, 23, a Shalgad officer, from Ganot.
2nd Lt. Adar Ben Simon, 20, a commander in the Home Front Command, from Neve Ziv.
2nd Lt. Yanai Kaminka, 20, a commander in the Home Front Command, from Tzur Hadassah.
Warrant Officer Ido Rosental, 45, a Shaldag soldier, from Beit Shean.
First Sgt. Aharon Farash, 36, a logistics NCO, from Ofakim.
Sgt. First Class Amir Fisher, 22, a Duvdevan soldier, from Tel Aviv.
Sgt. First Class Vitaly Shipkevich, 21, an Egoz soldier, from Ariel.
Staff Sgt. Ofir Tzioni, 21, a commander in the Home Front Command, from Yokne’am Illit.
More than 250 bodies removed from the site of kibbutz music festival
A spokesperson for ZAKA, a volunteer group that handles human remains after terror attacks and other disasters, tells Hebrew media outlets that it has so far collected more than 250 bodies from the site of a music festival in the south, which was attacked by Hamas terrorists.
Many parents of youth who were attending the rave near Kibbutz Re’im have been desperately searching for news of their missing children since yesterday.
Campaign Against Antisemitism ‘will do whatever it takes to defend community’
Statement: The Board of Trustees of Campaign Against Antisemitism is calling for swift action by British law enforcement to protect the Jewish community, promising legal action if enforcement action is lacking, and calling for the proscription of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps:
“Campaign Against Antisemitism is appalled by the barbarism of Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad, both of which are proscribed terrorist organisations who express goal is the genocide of Jews.
“We pray for the swift rescue of those taken captive by these terrorists, and for their families and the families of the innocents of all ages who have been slaughtered in their homes, in the streets and while observing the Jewish religious festival of Simchat Torah.
“In the past, attacks on Israel and their aftermath have been used as a pretext by antisemites and extremists in the UK to incite against and attack British Jews. To our regret, we have seen such outbreaks of antisemitism met with an utterly inadequate response by our criminal justice system.
“British Jews are already over 600% more likely to be targeted by hate crime than any other individual faith group on a per capita basis, according to the Home Office, despite the fact that we comprise just 0.5% of the UK’s population.
“If antisemitic attacks on British Jews and expressions of support for terrorism are not acted on, Campaign Against Antisemitism intends to conduct private prosecutions and judicial reviews in order to secure justice.
“That includes bringing terrorism charges against anyone expressing support for Hamas or Palestinian Islamic Jihad, and we have already reported a number of instances to the police.
“Additionally, if the British Government is serious about defending British Jews from terrorism, then James Cleverly, the Foreign Secretary, must stop blocking the proscription of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps and ban it as a terrorist organisation immediately. It is a critical instigator of the terrorism conducted by its proxies, of which Hamas is just one.
“We had planned a demonstration tomorrow evening outside the London Palladium in response to the performance of Roger Waters, whose appalling conduct towards Jews we have now exposed in a major documentary. Instead, we will meet to mourn the dead and pray for the captives, and all of their families outside Downing Street at 17:00.
“Those who glorify terrorism and delight in the massacre of Jews, and those who use the events still unfolding as cover for antisemitic acts should be under no misapprehension: we will pursue justice against you.
“We will do whatever it takes to defend the Jewish community.”
The Board of Deputies working to ensure the police support UK Jewish community
The Board of Deputies is in touch with Government and will be working to ensure the police support the UK Jewish community following attacks by Hamas on Israel.
The Board condemned “murderous Hamas terrorists” as it called for a vigil in central London on Monday to commemorate those who have lost their lives during the attacks.
The organisation said in a statement: “Yesterday, we awoke during Shabbat and the festival of Simchat Torah to learn that Israelis, including our friends and family, were being wounded, taken hostage, and murdered in Israel.
“At a time when the Jewish community should be partaking in the annual celebration of the renewal of our Torah, we are instead in mourning for those killed by murderous Hamas terrorists.
“We thank the Prime Minister, the leader of the Opposition and all others who have shown unequivocal support for the people of Israel as they respond to this unprecedented attack. We stand with Israel as it seeks to restore security and reunite families.
“Previous conflicts have shown us that we are likely to see an increase in antisemitism here in the UK. We are in touch with the Government and will be working to ensure the police support the Jewish community at this time. We urge any incidents be reported to the police and CST.”
UK working to establish status of British citizens in Israel, PM says
The Government is working to establish the status of UK citizens in Israel, Rishi Sunak said, as deadly attacks by Hamas saw one British man serving in the country’s army killed.
The Prime Minister declared “terrorism will not prevail” and pledged “steadfast support” for his counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu as the death toll from the incursion climbed to at least 600 on Sunday.
The Government has asked all UK govt buildings to fly the Israeli flag
The Government has asked all UK govt buildings to fly the Israeli flag and use appropriate coloured lighting to show solidarity victims.
Thousands to attend London vigil in solidarity with Israel
The Board of Deputies and Jewish Leadership Council are calling on the Jewish community to show solidarity for Israel at a public vigil.
It will take place on Monday evening outside Downing Street in Whitehall and follows two days of murderous attacks by Hamas terrorists, leaving 700 Israelis are dead, 2,000 injured and more than 50 kidnapped into Gaza.
CST and the police will be in attendance.
More updates to follow.
US President Joe Biden: Additional US aid to the IDF is on its way
US President Joe Biden tells Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that additional US aid to the IDF “is now on its way to Israel with more to follow over the coming days,” according to a White House readout on the second call between the two leaders in as many days.
Parents of kidnapped Israelis are holding a press conference
Report to follow.
GB News sorry for reading out pro-Hamas emails live on air
GB News has apologised after one of its presenters read out a series of pro-Hamas messages sent to the broadcaster live on air.
Nana Akua Amoatemaa-Appiah relayed the anti-Israel messages on a Saturday afternoon broadcast.
At no time during the live show did she attempt to correct or challenge them.
After being approached for comment by Jewish News, a GB News spokeperson said: “On Saturday during a live broadcast our presenter Nana Akua read out a selection of viewers’ emails about the Hamas attack on Israel. These were selected by a producer. Alongside comments that were very sympathetic to Israel, a couple were sympathetic to Hamas. This was a mistake with no malice intended, and we regret it. We have counselled our production staff and removed the comments from all our platforms.”
Counter terrorism police are now reviewing the footage.
Former head of IDF intelligence: ‘We have nothing to lose now’
Former head of IDF intelligence Yossi Kuperwasser tells Sky News: “Regardless of the hostages, Israel will achieve what it needs to achieve. We already have 700 dead. We have nothing to lose now.”
Sister of missing IDF soldier says terrorist answered his phone, said he was dead
The sister of missing IDF soldier Boaz Yogev says that their family called his cellphone and a terrorist answered and told them he was dead.
Harel Yogev tells the story to the Kan public radio station, saying that her mother called “and a terrorist answered, said my name is Mohammed… I’m so sorry, your son is dead.” Harel says the man on the phone claimed to be an IDF officer on her brother’s base, but that the IDF confirmed there was no officer by that name.
“Until now the army hasn’t been in contact at all. We don’t know anything. We’ve run to hospitals, to the police HQ, they aren’t telling us anything,” Harel says.
Harel says they passed the recording onto the army but still received no information, and have no idea where her brother is, or whether he is still alive.
(From our partner Times of Israel)
France, Ukraine, Germany confirm their citizens among those killed or kidnapped
A French woman in Israel has died “in the context of the terrorist attacks,” France’s foreign ministry says, without providing details. French teams in Israel and Paris are trying to clarify the situations of several citizens who have not been located, the statement says.
Germany’s Foreign Ministry says it has to assume that German citizens are among those kidnapped by Hamas yesterday. It did not say how many people that might be, but says they are all believed to be Israeli citizens as well.
Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Oleg Nikolenko says two Ukrainian women have been killed. Both had lived in Israel for a long time, he says, without elaborating on the circumstances of their death.
The Belarusian Foreign Ministry says two Belarusians were injured during the shelling of the city of Ashkelon, and one of them is in serious condition.
(From our partner Times of Israel)
Blinken: US working to verify reports of Americans killed, abducted in Hamas attack
White House announces ‘additional support’ to Israel in face of ‘unprecedented terrorist assault,’ doesn’t provide details
Israel Defence Forces chief makes first statement
The chief of the Israel Defense Forces issues his first public comments since Hamas launched its attack against Israel yesterday morning, reports out partners Times of Israel.
“The State of Israel and the IDF are now waging war against a sinful attack by Hamas,” IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi says, in a video published by the military.
“This is murderous terrorism. We are attacking, pushing back, and striking everyone who took part in it. I know the last day was difficult, the price is a heavy price, I know there are many questions and a lot of frustration,” Halevi continues.
“But we are now focusing forward on doing and solving the problem. We have civilians, and members of the security forces, some of whom are in the hands of the enemy,” he says. “Therefore, it is time for war. Not a round, not an operation, time for war,” Halevi says.
“And in this war, the IDF will be strong and win. Long and complex days of fighting await us. We will maintain readiness in all arenas,” he adds.
The remarks are made during an assessment at the IDF Southern Command in Beersheba this afternoon.
Irish-Israeli citizen missing
Irish deputy premier Micheal Martin has said he is aware of the case of an Irish-Israeli citizen missing after Saturday’s attack by Hamas.
“We are aware of the case and the Department Foreign Affairs has been in touch… with the family. But we don’t intend to comment specifically on the case at this stage,” the Tanaiste said.
“Could I say that as more information is revealed, I think the full horror of the crimes that were committed yesterday by Hamas are laid bare – hundreds and hundreds of innocent people slaughtered in the most savage of ways.”
He said that people had been targeted in their homes in an “indiscriminate” way.
Prime Minister stresses his commitment to ‘ensuring Jewish community in the UK feels safe’
The Prime Minister has stressed his commitment to “ensuring the Jewish community in the UK feels safe and secure at this time”, according to a readout.
A No10 spokesperson said: “The Prime Minister spoke to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu this afternoon, following deadly attacks by Hamas against Israel.
“He reaffirmed that the UK will stand with Israel unequivocally against these acts of terror. The Prime Minister offered Prime Minister Netanyahu any support Israel needs.
“The Prime Minister outlined the diplomatic work the UK is doing to ensure the world speaks with one voice in opposition to these appalling attacks. Prime Minister Netanyahu thanked the Prime Minister for the UK’s support.
“The Prime Minister also stressed his commitment to ensuring the Jewish community in the UK feels safe and secure at this time. The leaders agreed to stay in close contact as the situati
President of Manchester Friends of Palestine ‘full of pride’
Dana Abuqamar, president of Manchester Friends of Palestine, has told Sky News she is “full of pride” for Hamas’ actions at a pro-Hamas demo. Sky News has not returned to this event since.
‘This is what ‘From the river to the sea’ means. This is what it has always meant.’
Jewish News editor Richard Ferrer writing in the Daily Express:
“An ever-present cancer, lurking in the shadows, now stands fully exposed, its medieval ambition shocking to the core – the genocide of the Jewish people.”
GB News presenter reads out pro-Hamas emails live on air
Full story to follow – we are waiting for GB News to respond.
Israeli military: 800 Hamas targets struck across Gaza
Israeli military: 800 Hamas targets struck across Gaza, dozens of terrorists captured.
300+ UK parliamentarians send unprecedented message of support to Israel’s President
More than 300 cross-party parliamentarians from the UK Parliament (including 250 Conservatives) have issued an unprecedented joint statement in support of Israel, in the wake of a deadly surprise attack by the Hamas terror group. The statement of support has been sent directly to President of Israel Isaac Herzog.
As many as 250 Conservative parliamentarians have added their support. A dozen Cabinet Ministers also took the step of signing the statement, including the Home Secretary, Health Secretary, and Deputy Prime Minister.
The MPs and Lords – from the UK’s main political parties – united to endorse a statement by the All-Party Britain-Israel Parliamentary Group condemning Hamas terrorism and supporting Israel’s right to self-defence.
The statement follows strong expressions of support for Israel from across the UK Government, led by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Foreign Secretary James Cleverly.
Chair of the Britain-Israel APPG and CFI Officer, Bob Blackman CBE MP said: “More than 300 UK parliamentarians have today sent an unequivocal message of cross-party support to the President of Israel Isaac Herzog. This historic joint statement from the All-Party Britain-Israel Parliamentary Group reasserts our shared condemnation of the Hamas terror group and restatement of Israel’s absolute right to self-defence. We will continue to stand beside Israel at this unimaginably difficult time”.
300 UK parliamentarians send unprecedented message of support to Israel’s President Isaac Herzog
Israeli President Isaac Herzog, Tel Aviv, March 13, 2023.(Avshalom Sassoni/Flash90)
More than 300 cross-party parliamentarians from the UK Parliament (including 250 Conservatives) have issued an unprecedented joint statement in support of Israel, in the wake of a deadly surprise attack by the Hamas terror group.
The statement of support has been sent directly to President of Israel Isaac Herzog and reads:
“We are united in condemning Hamas’s unprovoked, surprise attack against Israel and its civilians. Hundreds of Israeli civilians have been murdered and kidnapped within their communities by marauding gangs of terrorists. Thousands of rockets have been fired by the Iran-backed terror group with the explicit intention of harming as many as possible.
The peace in villages, towns and cities across Israel has been shattered at a time when many will have been celebrating Shabbat and the Jewish festivals of Sukkot and Simchat Torah.
The violence has been indiscriminate with people of all faiths, ethnicities and backgrounds targeted. The footage is deeply disturbing and will have horrified people across the UK and within our constituencies and communities.
We welcome the UK’s strong condemnation of Hamas’s barbaric attack and pledge to protect the UK’s vibrant Jewish community.
The attack by Iran’s Hamas proxy is a futile attempt to harm the movement for peace across the region as Israel and its Arab neighbours work jointly for a future of shared prosperity.
The Abraham Accords have shown that a future of peace is possible and we celebrate the historic opportunity it presents and call for redoubled efforts to expand them.
As members of all of the UK’s main political parties we stand in solidarity with Israel and its right to self defence at this time of great need.”
As many as 250 Conservative parliamentarians have added their support. A dozen Cabinet Ministers also took the step of signing the statement, including the Home Secretary, Health Secretary, and Deputy Prime Minister.
The MPs and Lords – from the UK’s main political parties – united to endorse a statement by the All-Party Britain-Israel Parliamentary Group condemning Hamas terrorism and supporting Israel’s right to self-defence.
The statement follows strong expressions of support for Israel from across the UK Government, led by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Foreign Secretary James Cleverly.
Chair of the Britain-Israel APPG and CFI Officer, Bob Blackman CBE MP said: “More than 300 UK parliamentarians have today sent an unequivocal message of cross-party support to the President of Israel Isaac Herzog. This historic joint statement from the All-Party Britain-Israel Parliamentary Group reasserts our shared condemnation of the Hamas terror group and restatement of Israel’s absolute right to self-defence. We will continue to stand beside Israel at this unimaginably difficult time”.
What happened on my kibbutz was apocalyptic
Fires burning at Ein Hashlosha kibbutz
58-year old Itzik Ribak is speaking to Jewish News from his London home. Beside him, anxiously watching the news, is his wife Ronit, president of Wizo UK.
Ronit had messaged, wanting to “share with you one story of many that sadly takes place now in our beloved country.”
Itzik is from the Ein Hashlosha kibbutz, very close to Gaza. It was one of an estimated 22 kibbutzim and moshavim infiltrated and seized by the Hamas terrorists.
An initial email before we speak talks of “looting, burning houses, taking hostages and murdering indiscriminately. Sadly, four members of the kibbutz have been killed, defending the community. One of the was Rami Nrgbi, one of my husband’s best friends from childhood. May they all rest in peace.”
Itzik tells Jewish News: “Our kibbutz is only two kilometres from Gaza; the gap between the fence of our kibbutz and Gaza is just fields. As soon as they got through the fence, they came into our kibbutz, without much difficulty.”
He says that the Palestinians had shot a lot of the cameras securing the fence, depriving the kibbutz security forces of live information.
Meanwhile, “they were infiltrating through the fence with motorbikes in the hundreds and just started walking into the kibbutz.”
Itsik-Zac-Riba
He explains that as soon as the rockets had gone in, and the alarms gone off, residents had rushed to their shelters, leaving behind a small group of adults with guns on guard.
Ribak says that an incident of this magnitude has never happened in Israel since 1948. You can handle one or two terrorists, not scores of them. One of my closest friends was one of the people on guard trying to fight them. And then of course, they were gunned down. That’s how all these places have got taken over, literally taken over by the terrorists. Because once you get rid of the settlers with guns, the place is yours and you are roaming free. They were loot whatever they can and killing whoever they can.”
He says that “most importantly, if you kidnap someone it’s only a coupe of kilometres with a motorbike or pickup truck to take as many as they can.” To either he says grimly, to take them as hostages or kill them.
“They were burning houses in order to get them to come out of the shelter. That was horrific for people. Hours and hours and it took forever for the Israeli army to get their act together because it as a complete shock in the middle of Sabbath and a big holiday. And because of very little intelligence allowing a lot of soldiers to go home for the weekend, the army base near our kibbutz was taken over.”
He describes what happened as “inconceivable. Apocalyptic. The biggest shock is the intelligence. The second shock is that people are locked in places on telephones begging for help and there is no one to be seen. There is a big gap between what you see on TV and the reality from actual people on the ground that I was in touch with. The might of Israel the big high tech, and then flipping idiotic terrorists on motoribkies and bloody parachutes managing to get in.”
Ribak recounts another story from a kibbutz where the terrorists got into one of the houses, discovered an 81-year old woman not in the shelter and asked her if she had a gun.
“They took her mobile phone, tablet and then left her. She could smell petrol. They were pouring petrol over the house. She later said to her son ‘I don’t know where I got the courage to do what I did’, but she opened the metal window, which is extremely heavy, jumped through the window in her pyjamas and started running through the kibbutz. Her house was going on fire and she saw her friends house on fire. She knew the person inside it was dead. Burnt alive.”
Ribak says that this type of story was “multiplied several times across other kibbutzim. Everyone has their stories. Our hearts are with all the families of the dead, injured and kidnapped.”
David Lammy stands “with the people of Israel in their tremendous fight”
Labour’s shadow foreign secretary said he stands “with the people of Israel in their tremendous fight”.
David Lammy told a fringe event at the Labour conference in Liverpool that the “horrors” in Israel and Gaza are a “sad and worrying backdrop” for the event.
He said: “It’s been hugely important to be clear that Israel has a right to self-defence and to defend itself against terrorism.”
He also said he would like the response “to be targeted, to be proportionate, and to be within into national law”.
2,156 Israelis have been wounded and treated at hospitals
The Health Ministry says that as of 3pm UK time, at least 2,156 Israelis have been wounded and treated at hospitals so far during this war. Of those, 20 are in critical condition, 338 in serious condition, 421 in moderate condition, 1,052 in mild condition, 49 being treated for severe anxiety and 167 still being assessed by medical officials.
British soldier killed in Hamas attacks in Israel
Corporal Nathanel Young
A 20-year-old man who was born in London was among the many IDF soldiers killed in the Hamas attacks on Saturday, October 7.
He was Corporal Nathanel Young, listed as living in Tel Aviv and a member of the army’s 13th Battalion.
A former pupil at JFS, he was living in the Bayit Shel Benji lone soldier house in Raanana.
His family, including his two brothers and two sisters, nieces and nephews are deeply mourning his loss.
Sister Gaby Shalev said: “Nathanel was full of life and the life of the party – he carried the nickname DJ on base and at Benji’s house the lone soldier house that he lived at. He loved his family and friends and was loved by everyone. He loved music and was a talented DJ. Always willing to go to any lengths for his loved ones. An amazing uncle and brother. He was so happy in Israel.”
Brother Eliot Young paid tribute saying: “Nathanel always had strong Jewish pride. From a young age he has always wanted to play an important role in defending his country, it’s something he talked about a lot. I remember when he was around 10 and he called, so upset at the attacks on Israel that were happening at that time. Nathanel was also a bubbly guy who my two little daughters loved playing with and were always so excited to visit. When Nathanel could have taken his days off to sleep and re-energise, he instead found out where we were, which wasn’t always so close to him, and came to join us.”
Nathaniel’s Facebook page says he studied at the Capital City College Group and was keen on travelling and hip-hop dancing.
In hospital, survivors describe harrowing experience of Hamas attack
There are some 700 injured citizens being treated at Soroka Medical Center in Beersheba, Channel 12 reports, with many recounting the harrowing ordeals they faced in the Hamas assault.
Describing their experience as “a disaster,” one injured couple relates how they were driving to visit relatives in one of the communities near Gaza when they encountered a truck full of armed terrorists.
“We drove away, and later saw cars stopped on the road and people injured. We saw two more trucks and they opened fire at us.”
From our partners Times Of Israel.
Full report here
Magen David Adom appeal update
Israel’s medical emergency service is now operating at full capacity at a cost of 1m shekels a day and requires the support of the Diaspora to fulfil its mission.
Jewish News urges its readers to give generously to the appeal set up by MDA UK at www.mdauk.org.
We have already donated advertising space to the campaign and are glad that The Jewish Chronicle and Jewish Telegraph followed us in doing the same last night. We are always stronger united.
British soldier killed named as Corporal Nathaniel Young
A 20-year-old man who was born in London was among the many IDF soldiers killed in the Hamas attacks on Saturday, October 7.
He was Corporal Nathaniel Young, listed as living in Tel Aviv and a member of the army’s 13th Battalion.
His family are deeply mourning his loss.
Nathaniel’s Facebook page says he studied at the Capital City College Group and was keen on travelling and hip-hop dancing.
Heavy gun battles with terrorists in Israeli southern town of Magen
Heavy gun battles are reported between Israeli troops and Palestinian terrorists in the southern town of Magen, close to the border with the Gaza Strip.
According to Hebrew-language media, the Israel Defense Forces is also using tanks against the terrorists in the area.
Nearly 30 hours after Hamas launched its assault on Israeli border communities, IDF forces continue to try and clear the areas.
(From our partners Times of Israel)
Barnet’s neighbourhood inspector sends message to Jewish schools
Cllr Sara Conway, Barnet’s neighbourhood inspector, has sent this message to the Council that has been sent this morning to Jewish schools:
“We are working in partnership with the Community Security Trust and the London Borough of Barnet to ensure that our community within the Synagogues, schools and wider community feel safe. As part of this we will be increasing our patrols across Barnet, Brent and Harrow as part of our tri-borough response to the developments abroad over the weekend. This is part of a reassurance plan. We remain in contact with partners and community leaders to listen to any concerns. Anyone who experiences threatening behaviour or is worried about their safety is urged to contact police”
’11 Thai nationals being held by Hamas’
Hamas image – unverified.
Egyptian media reports two Israeli tourists shot by police officer
Reports from Egypt indicate an Egyptian police officer has shot and killed two Israelis and one Egyptian tourist.
Israeli forces in gun battle with terrorists near Ashdod
Israeli forces are engaged in a gun battle with Palestinian terrorists who drove from the Gaza border area toward Ashdod.
Footage shows Israeli forces managing to stop their car and firing heavily toward a field where the terrorists fled.
There is no immediate information on injuries.
(From our partner Times of Israel)
Foreign Affairs Committee chairwoman: ‘Mass atrocities israel never thought possible’
Foreign Affairs Committee chairwoman Alicia Kearns has called on Israel to only target military sites in Gaza following the attack by Hamas.
She told BBC Breakfast: “We know that they have seen mass atrocities, which they never thought was possible.
“We need to advise them to target military sites only within Gaza and not their civilian sites.”
VIDEO: Jewish News reports on the devastation in Ashkelon
Jewish News foreign editor @jotamconfino reporting from the city of Ashkelon in southern Israel this morning. For more, follow the live blog on our website.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/CyIZA2MsZWj/?igshid=NzZhOTFlYzFmZQ%3D%3D
Israel experiencing “a reality that has become a nightmare”
Israel is experiencing “a reality that has become a nightmare”, the country’s ambassador to the UK has said.
Tzipi Hotovely told BBC Breakfast: “Israel is in a war that Hamas started yesterday. Calculated. Planned. Targeting Israelis, targeting civilians, targeting innocent children.
“We saw Prime Minister Sunak, we saw President Biden yesterday, they’re supporting Israel’s right for self-defence, because we are in a reality that has become a nightmare.
“We can’t do anything else … we need to protect our people.
“This is a necessity war. (Israel) wasn’t expecting this to happen (but) we need to make sure the infrastructure of terrorism is 100% destroyed.”
Magen David Adom update
During the night, MDA teams provided medical treatment to 28 people who were injured in rocket attacks in southern parts of Israel. Among them: 2 in serious condition, 2 in moderate condition, 15 in minor condition and 9 anxiety victims.
Magen David Adom teams all over Israel are currently on high alert.
Magen David Adom ambulances and armoured vehicles, are manned by 1,400 volunteers and workers who save lives, sometimes under fire.
Gov minister Mark Harper: We’re working closely with Israel about UK citizens involved’
A Cabinet minister said the UK is “working very closely and have been in contact with the Israeli government about any British citizens” in the country after the attack by Hamas militants.
Transport Secretary Mark Harper told Sky News’s Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips programme: “We’ll have all been horrified by the barbaric scenes we saw with Hamas’s indiscriminate attack yesterday and we are unequivocally in support of the state of Israel as they deal with that threat.”
He added: “We’re obviously working very closely and have been in contact with the Israeli government about any British citizens that are in Israel, and will obviously continue to work with them and obviously get information and work with their families back here in Britain.”
Sir Keir Starmer: “Appalling act of terrorism must be called out across the world”
Sir Keir Starmer has said there is “no justification” for the attack on Israel, arguing that Hamas has deliberately pushed back the prospect of a peace deal.
He told the BBC’s Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg programme: “This is an appalling attack on Israel, a terrorist attack, for which there is no justification.
“The perpetrators of this have deliberately pushed back the prospect of peace agreements.”
He said he spoke to the leader of the Israeli Labour party, Merav Michaeli, last night.
“As we were on the phone the siren went off and she had to go down into her shelter, taking her papers with her,” he said.
“So it’s an appalling act of terrorism, it needs to be called out across the world.”
Labour shadow health secretary Wes Streeting: ‘Hamas must be unequivocally condemned’
Labour’s shadow health secretary Wes Streeting said “it’s hard to see” how the Israel-Hamas conflict “doesn’t set back” the hope for a peaceful solution.
He told Sky’s Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips programme: “There can be no justification whatsoever for the barbarity we’ve seen unfolding on our television screens and social media feeds.”
He said the violence “has to be unequivocally condemned”.
“I think for the future of both Israelis and Palestinians, there is no future that involves this violence, this bloodshed and I think for our country, for other democracies around the world, it’s important that we stand with Israel, Israel’s right to defend itself.”
He continued: “It’s hard to see how what we’re seeing unfolding on our television screens doesn’t set back that cause, that hope, that prospect for a peaceful solution.”
Metropolitan Police increase patrols in London to reassure community
The Met said it was increasing patrols in parts of the capital after footage emerged on social media of cars draped in the Palestinian flag and honking their horns travelling through west London, apparently celebrating the attacks against Israel.
The force also said it was preparing for protests in London and would develop a plan that balance the right to demonstrate with avoiding disruption.
Four reported wounded in Tel Aviv, Rishon, Bat Yam in latest rocket barrage
Four reported wounded in Tel Aviv, Rishon, Bat Yam in latest rocket barrage.
VIDEO: Celebration on the streets of London
Cars display Palestinian flags and beep their horns in central London.
https://x.com/DrProudman/status/1710707717520703813?s=20
Rocket barrage fired at Tel Aviv
Sirens sound in Rehovot, Nes Ziona, Tel Aviv-Jaffa, Ramat Gan, Yavneh, Rishon Lezion, Givatayim, Ramat Hasharon, Petah Tikva, Kiryat Ono, Bnei Brak, Givat Shmuel, Beer Ya’akov, Ramla, Holon, Mikve Israel, Bat Yam. (From our partners Times of Israel)
Magen David Adom: Huge response to call for blood donations
Magen David Adom has thanked the Israeli public for its huge response to the call for blood donations for treating war victims at Israel’s hospitals. Thousands of units of blood were donated at the many MDA donation sites.
Board’s chief exec: Israel’s day of ‘unbearable suffering’
Board of Deputies chief executive Michael Wegier has just posted on social media:”I’m currently in Israel and here Shabbat (the Jewish Sabbath) and Yom Tov (the Jewish festival of Sukkot) have just ended.
“It has been a deeply distressing day and our thoughts are with the families of the dead, injured and kidnapped who are dealing with unbearable suffering.
“I know that the UK Jewish community’s support for Israel in this crisis is unswerving and we utterly condemn the Hamas terrorists who have caused such awful pain.
“The Board of Deputies president will issue a formal statement tomorrow night, when Sukkot is over in the UK.
“We will be immediately liaising with other communal leaders about how our community can assist. Meanwhile we are very grateful for the strong support of the UK Prime Minister, Leader of the Opposition and other political leaders. Your friendship is greatly appreciated.
“We must now be alert to the possibility of a rise in antisemitic incidents here in the UK and encourage all British Jews to remain vigilant. Do not hesitate to call the police on 999 or CST if you experience or witness an incident.”
IDF has killed ‘hundreds of terrorists’
The Israel Defence Forces claims to have killed hundreds of terrorists in southern Israel and the Gaza Strip in recent hours.
Hamas: Israeli captives in ‘secured places’ and tunnels
The terror group claims it is holding civilians and soldiers inside Gaza. More than 50 people may have been snatched but this number has not been verified.
UN to hold an emergency meeting on Sunday
The United Nations Security Council will hold an emergency meeting on Sunday on the violence in the Middle East, the body said in a statement issued after deadly attacks by Hamas terrorists on Israel. The council will convene Sunday at 7pm UK time.
Rachel Riley: I just passed two cars in west London with Palestinian flags flying
@RachelRileyRR: I just passed two cars in West London driving with Palestinian flags flying from each window, bouncing up and down in their cars, seemingly celebrating like they were having a party. Make no mistake, this is a dangerous and terrifying time for all Jews around the world.
Man says he’s seen video of his wife, children and mother-in-law taken to Gaza
A man says his wife, two young children and mother-in-law have been taken to Gaza and that he has seen them in a video from the coastal enclave. Yoni Asher tells Channel 12 news that his wife and children aged three and five were visiting his mother-in-law at Kibbutz Nir Oz near the Gaza border when they were taken during an infiltration by Hamas terrorists.
Yair Lapid calls on Netanyahu to form unity government
Opposition Leader Yair Lapid is calling on Prime Minister Netanyahu to form a unity government “without extremists” from the far-right parties in order to win the war against Hamas.
“We have to put politics aside now,” he said.
Still 22 locations of ongoing fighting in southern Israel,
IDF spokesperson says there are still 22 locations of ongoing fighting in southern Israel, including hostage situations in Be’eri and Ofakim. Four divisions are being deployed to the Gaza border, joining 31 battalions that are already there, Hagari says.
IDF confirms hostages taken to Gaza
The Israel Defence Forces’ top spokesman, Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, confirms the terror group has taken Israelis as hostages to the Gaza Strip.
IDF confirms: Hamas has taken Israelis as hostages
The Israeli army has confirmed for the first time that Hamas has taken Israelis as hostages, both civilians and soldiers. Army and special forces are currently fighting against Hamas in 22 locations adjacent to the border.
Netanyahu speaks with Biden, Macron and Mark Rutte
Prime Minister Netanyahu spoke with U.S. President Joe Biden, French President Emmanuel Macron and Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte.
Biden emphasised that the US stands alongside Israel and fully supports Israel’s right to self-defence.
Netanyahu thanked Biden for the unreserved support and made it clear that a forceful, prolonged campaign – which Israel will win – is necessary.
Benny Gantz: ‘The entire people of Israel are united’
Leader of National Unity party, Benny Gantz, says that the opposition is supporting the government in the war against Hamas.
“I want to say clearly, in a way that resonates from Gaza, via Beirut, to Tehran: The entire people of Israel are united. All Israel’s citizens stand behind the security forces, and the government has the backing to charge a heavy, painful and effective price in order that an event like this is not repeated. There is no coalition and opposition now, just a single fist that will pound the enemy,” he said.
‘This is an all out war on Israeli civilians’
Danielle Bett, communications director with the Yachad organisation, has told how a building not far from her home in Tel Aviv was hit by a rocket fired by Hamas terroists earlier today, adding;”This is an all out war on Israeli civilians.”
Speaking to Jewish News on Saturday afternoon as she remained inside he home in the city Betts said:”This was not expected.
“Usually there’s strong indications that something like is going to happen.
“There’s been a heavy barrage of rockets over the past couple of hours. I’m in a relatively safe space now, but the building not far from me was hit by a rocket earlier today.”
Bett, who has long been a passionate supporter of efforts to find a peaceful resolution of the conflict with the Palestinians, was forthright in her condemnation of the actions of Hamas and its supporters.
“This is an all out war on civilians. There are people who have been lynched, and there are people who have been held hostage.
“This is a war against innocent Israeli civilians.”
To those attempting to explain the attacks by citing actions by Israel, Bett added:”There is not whataboutery to be done.
“No excuses can be made over the fact that people are being terrorised in their homes and in their towns.”
She said she believed the actions of Hamas are now likely to “make matters worse.”
Bett said:”I don’t think this is something that is going to be over in a couple of days.”
Magen David Adom UK launches emergency appeal
The UK arm of Israel’s medical emergency service has taken the unprecedented step of launching an appeal during Shabbat. MDA is now operating at full capacity at a cost of 1 million shekels a day and provides 96 percent of Israel’s blood supplies.
Chief Executive Daniel Burger said: “Whilst we in the UK watch with trepidation at the news reaching us on our screens, feeds and inboxes, MDA UK is asking you to support Mage David Adom to be able to continue to care for the people of Israel.”
Jewish News has donated advertising space to MDA UK in support of this appeal
Donate at www.mdauk.org/operationironswords
Israeli death roll rises to more than 100
The death toll from the Hamas terror group’s attack on Israel rises to more than 100, Hebrew-language media cite medical officials as saying.
Hamas claims to have captured “a big number” of Israelis
Hamas deputy chief Saleh al-Arouri tells Al Jazeera that the group has captured “a big number” of Israelis. He says “senior officers” are among them.
Palestinian Health Ministry: 198 killed
Palestinian Health Ministry has said that 198 killed Palestinians have been killed by Israel on Saturday. It’s unclear how many of those are members of Hamas and how many are civilians.
Health Ministry: 779 Israelis wounded
Israel’s Health Ministry updated the number of wounded Israelis to 779.
US Defence Secretary: Pentagon will ensure Israel has what it needs to defend itself
US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin says the Pentagon will work in the coming days “to ensure that Israel has what it needs to defend itself and protect civilians from indiscriminate violence and terrorism.”
“Our commitment to Israel’s right to defend itself remains unwavering, and I extend my condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in this abhorrent attack on civilians,” Austin says in a statement.
Wes Streeting: ‘This is not resistance… this is terrorism’
Labour’s Wes Streeting has responded to the horrific Hamas attack on Israel saying:”The scenes that we can see unfolding on our television screens, and on our social media channels are harrowing.”
Speaking to Jewish News at the start of Labour’s annual conference in Liverpool, the shadow health secretary continued:”There can be no excuse for this indiscriminate violence against Israeli citizens.
“When you see innocent people being murdered, stamped on, their bodies desecrated, this is not resistance, this is terrorism, and it needs to be unequivocally condemned as such.”
Saudi Arabia calls for “immediate halt to the escalation”
Saudi Arabia calls for an “immediate halt to the escalation between the two sides. In a statement, the Kingdom recalls its “repeated warnings of the danger of the explosion of the situation, as a result of the continued occupation, the deprivation of the Palestinian people of their legitimate rights, and the repetition of systematic provocations against its sanctities.”
Netanyahu: ‘First objective is to clear out hostile forces that infiltrated our territory’
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu finished his meeting with the security cabinet, saying that the “first objective is to clear out the hostile forces that infiltrated our territory and restore the security and quiet to the communities that have been attacked.”
“The second objective, at the same time, is to exact an immense price from the enemy, within the Gaza Strip as well. The third objective is to reinforce other fronts so that nobody should mistakenly join this war. We are at war. In war, one needs to be level-headed. I call on all citizens of Israel to unite in order to achieve our highest goal – victory in the war,” he added.
Herzog: ‘Today we saw the true face of Hamas’
Israel’s President Isaac Herzog issued a statement saying: “Today we saw the true face of Hamas. A terrorist army whose only goal is the cold-blooded murder of innocent men, women, and children. Supported and directed by their proxy commanders in Iran, they carried out an unprovoked, heinous attack against the Jewish state on a Jewish holy day. Innocent civilians were massacred and wounded, and many are still under attack.”
“The State of Israel will take all measures necessary to eliminate this clear and immediate danger to our citizens. Israel will overcome in the face of all challenges. I call upon the family of nations – this war waged against us marks a line in the sand. Now is the time to hear clear, unequivocal condemnation of Hamas, its allies, and its backers in Iran. Now is the time to stand firm with Israel in support of its just and moral battle in the face of an abhorrent enemy,” he added.
40 killed in Israel in Hamas attacks
Israeli authorities have updated the number of Israelis who have been killed in either rocket attacks or by Hamas infiltration to 40 people.
Israeli woman in Sderot sobs over the body of her relative
An Israeli woman sobs over the body of her relative who was killed by Palestinian terrorists who entered from the Gaza (AP Photo/Baz Ratner)
2T0H8YX An Israeli woman react over the body of her relative who was killed by Palestinian armed militants who entered from the Gaza strip, in the southern Israeli city of Sderot, Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023. Hamas, the militant group ruling the Gaza Strip, carried out a surprise, multi-front attack on Israel at daybreak Saturday, firing thousands of rockets and infiltrating the country by land, air and sea. (AP Photo/Baz Ratner)
Israel shuts schools
Israeli authorities have decided to close schools in Jerusalem, southern and central Israel.
Israeli eyewitness from Gaza border to Jewish News: ‘I’m devastated’
Israeli resident of Kfar Gaza kibbutz near the Gaza border, Orit Tzadikovich tells Jewish News: “I am not in my kibbutz (Kfar Aza) right now but it’s currently under attack by terrorists, they go from house to house and kill people. I’m devastated.”
“In days like these there is no opposition and no coalition in Israel.”
Opposition leaders expressed a commitment to an iron-clad united Israeli front. Yesh Atid head Yair Lapid, National Unity leader Benny Gantz, Yisrael Beitenu chief Avigdor Lieberman and Labour party head Merav Michaeli said in a joint statement: “In days like these there is no opposition and no coalition in Israel.” They “are united in the face of terrorism” and the need to respond with “a strong and determined fist. It is necessary to mobilise the international community against terrorism.”
‘Police are managing “a number of war zones together with the IDF’
Israeli Police Commissioner Kobi Shabtai has said that the police are managing “a number of war zones together with the IDF and with special units and all the additional forces that have been launched towards the Gaza Strip.” He urged all citizens to stay in their homes and that “we know about civilians who are barricaded in all kinds of places.”
UN Middle East envoy “vehemently condemns” Hamas assault
The UN’s Middle East envoy Tor Wennesland “vehemently condemns” today’s multi-front Hamas assault of Israeli towns near Gaza.
“These events have resulted in horrific scenes of violence and many Israeli fatalities and injuries, with many believed to be kidnapped inside the Strip. These are heinous attacks targeting civilians and must stop immediately. I am deeply concerned for the well-being of all civilians. I am in close contact with all concerned to urge maximum restraint and call on all sides to protect civilians.”
Zelensky: ‘Israel’s right to self-defence is unquestionable’
Ukraine’s President: “Horrible news from Israel. My condolences go out to everyone who lost relatives or close ones in the terrorist attack. We have faith that order will be restored and terrorists will be defeated.
Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan: I condemn the terrorist acts of Hamas
“The news coming out of Israel is deeply distressing. I condemn the terrorist acts of Hamas and my thoughts are with those affected and those who have lost loved ones.”
An Israeli soldier stands by the bodies of Israelis killed by Palestinian terrorists
2T0H38J An Israeli soldier stands by the bodies of Israelis killed by Palestinian armed militants who entered from the Gaza strip, in the southern Israeli city of Sderot, Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023. Hamas, the militant group ruling the Gaza Strip, carried out a surprise, multi-front attack on Israel at daybreak Saturday, firing thousands of rockets and infiltrating the country by land, air and sea. (AP Photo/Tsafrir Abayov)
Hamas publishes footage of drone attack on IDF ambulance
Hamas group publishes a video showing it dropping a bomb from a drone on a military ambulance near the Gaza border, wounding Israeli troops.
Liberal Democrats condemn “the terrorism of Hamas and Islamic Jihad”
Liberal Democrat foreign affairs spokeswoman Layla Moran MP condemned “the terrorism of Hamas and Islamic Jihad.”
“I am horrified to wake up to such dreadful scenes of violence in Israel and Palestine this morning,” she said.
“Last year, I met with Israelis living in villages on the Gaza border. I am mortified to learn that these places are facing terrorist attacks as we speak. My thoughts are with those I met, and their safety, and all those others impacted by this awful violence.
“Liberal Democrats fully condemn the terrorism of Hamas and Islamic Jihad. This violence must cease. I am profoundly worried about the prospect for broader escalation.”
EU foreign policy chief calls for immediate release of Israeli hostages from Gaza
“News of civilians taken as hostages in their homes or to Gaza are appalling,” Borrell writes on X, the social media site formerly known as Twitter.
“This is against international law,” he writes. “Hostages must be released immediately.”
IDF fighter jets strike 17 terror compounds in Gaza
IDF announces 17 Hamas compounds and four operational command centres have been struck in the Gaza Strip.
Irish deputy premier condemns Hamas attack on Israel
Ireland’s deputy premier has condemned attacks from Hamas terrorists on Israel and called for “all hostilities” to stop.
Micheal Martin was reacting after the Gaza Strip’s Hamas rulers launched a major attack on Israel, resulting in at least 22 casualties, according to Israeli authorities.
Mr Martin, who is Ireland’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, expressed his sympathies over the lives that had been lost.
“I strongly condemn the firing of rockets into Israel by Hamas and attacks against Israel from Gaza,” Mr Martin said.
“I deeply regret the loss of life and the impact on civilians.
“I call for an immediate cessation of all hostilities.”
The Tanaiste had travelled to the region last month on a three-day diplomatic trip where he met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Isaac Herzog.
He also travelled to the occupied Palestinian territory where he met with President Mahmoud Abbas.
‘Civilians are barricaded in all kinds of places’
Police Commissioner Kobi Shabtai tells Israeli media that authorities are aware of civilians who are “barricaded in all kinds of places. We call on everyone to stay behind closed doors, we will reach everyone in the end. We are moving from one scene to another. There are quite a few terrorists who have been killed in the various scenes. Unfortunately, there are also casualties from our forces and civilians who were nearby.”
‘We are running to our bomb shelter all the time’
Aviram from Kiryat Malachi told Jewish News: “I am safe, but we are running to our bomb shelter all the time. Me, my wife and three kids. I hope the army will kill all the terrorists.”
‘My kibbutz is currently under attack by terrorists’
Israeli resident of Kfar Gaza kibbutz near the Gaza border, Orit Tzadikovich tells Jewish News: “I am not in my kibbutz (Kfar Aza) right now but it’s currently under attack by terrorists, they go from house to house and kill people. I’m devastated.”
Israeli Health Ministry: 545 hospitalised since start of Hamas attack
The Health Ministry says 545 people have been hospitalised since the start of the massive attack by Hamas, which was launched by the terror group at around 6:30 a.m. this morning.
Police evacuate distraught family from a site hit by a rocket from the Gaza Strip
2T0GNDR Israeli police officers evacuate a family from a site hit by a rocket fired from the Gaza Strip, in Ashkelon, southern Israel, Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023. The rockets were fired as Hamas announced a new operation against Israel. (AP Photo/Tsafrir Abayov)
Hamas publishes footage of terrorists capturing IDF soldiers in attack on Gaza border base
From our partners Times of Israel:
The Hamas terror group publishes footage showing its members capturing a number of Israeli soldiers during an attack on a military base on the border with the Gaza Strip this morning.
Other clips circulated online have purported to show Israeli civilians taken hostage by the terror group.
The IDF has yet to comment on the allegations.
At least 22 killed, hundreds injured as Gaza terrorists infiltrate south, fire thousands of rockets
70 seriously wounded in rocket, infiltration attacks on south, centre of country; reports of abductions to Gaza; massive call-up of reservists; school cancelled Sunday
Foreign Secretary condemns Hamas attacks in southern Israel
James Cleverly wrote on social media: “The UK unequivocally condemns the horrific attacks by Hamas on Israeli civilians.
“The UK will always support Israel’s right to defend itself.”
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said Israel has an “absolute right to defend itself”
In a post on X, he wrote: “I am shocked by this morning’s attacks by Hamas terrorists against Israeli citizens.
“Israel has an absolute right to defend itself.
“We’re in contact with Israeli authorities, and British nationals in Israel should follow travel advice.”
Jewish News’ foreign editor Jotam Confino on Sky News
“There are reports of hostage situations at kibbutzim and people being shot inside their houses. People are in their homes watching an unprecedented situation. We have even heard of reports of people being dragged into Gaza. I have never seen the Israeli authorities being criticised like this after such an unprecedented infiltration of Israeli territory.”
Resident of southern town: ‘They kidnapped my father, I saw pictures of him in Gaza’
A woman tells Channel 12 news that her father has been kidnapped from a southern border community by Hamas terrorists and taken to the Gaza Strip.
“He messaged me that they were in the house,” she says, through tears.
“He told me they were taking him,” says the resident of Kibbutz Be’eri.
“I saw pictures of him in Gaza,” she says.
Resident of southern town: ‘They kidnapped my father, I saw pictures of him in Gaza’
A woman tells Channel 12 news that her father has been kidnapped from a southern border community by Hamas terrorists and taken to the Gaza Strip.
“He messaged me that they were in the house,” she says, through tears.
“He told me they were taking him,” says the resident of Kibbutz Be’eri.
“I saw pictures of him in Gaza,” she says.
Hamas launches coordinated attack against Israel, infiltrates Gaza border
The Israeli army says Hamas launched a coordinated attack on Israel on Saturday, firing barrages of rockets at central and southern Israel and infiltrating the border in a number of different locations.
Rocket sirens went off in the early hours on Saturday as rockets reached as far as Jerusalem and suburbs of Tel Aviv, killing five Israelis. Meanwhile, dozens of armed terrorists infiltrated the Gaza border into Israel, with videos showing them shooting randomly at civilians.
The IDF said it “declares a state of alert for war,” telling civilians in the southern and central areas to stay next to shelters, and in the area surrounding the Gaza Strip, inside shelters.
A Palestinian films himself near a burning IDF tank at the Gaza border. pic.twitter.com/sHrxw87z4k
— Joe Truzman (@JoeTruzman) October 7, 2023
Defence Minister Yoav Gallant broke his silence at around 10:00 AM on Saturday morning, saying: “Hamas made a grave mistake this morning and started a war against the State of Israel. IDF soldiers are fighting the enemy at all the infiltration sites. The State of Israel will win this war.”
Footage shows dozens of Palestinian terrorists infiltrating into Israel from Gaza. pic.twitter.com/f3gKChKabO
— Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian (@manniefabian) October 7, 2023
IDF Spokesperson Richard Hecht told international journalists in a briefing, which Jewish News was on, that Israel has launched “Operation swords of iron” and that soldiers are fighting Hamas terrorist in several locations near the Gaza border
Hecht also confirmed that the Israeli Air force carrying out airstrikes in Gaza, and that the IDF is mobilising more forces. Hecht however said that he “can’t comment on hostage situations” that have been reported in Israeli media, describing Hamas terrorists infiltrating Kibbutzim along the border.
An Israeli citizen of Ashkelon tells me a rocket fired from Gaza struck the front of an apartment a short time ago. pic.twitter.com/PcDfIO0sxu
— Joe Truzman (@JoeTruzman) October 7, 2023
The fighting between Israeli forces and Hamas members is currently taking place in: Kfar, Aza, Sderot, Nahal Oz, Magen, Beeri, and Erez Crossing.
“The terrorists came by land, air and sea. We are also looking at the northern border and ramping up our defense in all arenas,” he added.
LIVE BLOG: ISRAEL AT WAR
Israeli soldiers gather on the road in central Israel Israel on Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023. . (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg)
Netanyahu on massive Hamas attack: ‘We are at war’
2T0GJC4 Israeli soldiers gather on the road in central Israel Israel on Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023. Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip infiltrated Saturday into southern Israel and fired thousands of rockets into the country while Israel began striking targets in Gaza in response. (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg)
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gives his first public statement on the massive attack by the Hamas terror group, saying the country is at war.
“Citizens of Israel, we are at war,” he says. “And we will win.”
“The enemy will pay a price like they have never known before,” he says, in his first public statement on the matter, some five hours since the start of the assault by the Gaza-based terror group.
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