Israel-Hamas battle: Former Aussie PM refuses to signal historic letter

It comes as air strikes on Palestine intensified in a single day, together with in an space near a significant hospital full of a whole bunch of wounded folks.

The humanitarian disaster within the area is worsening, with a stockpile of help ransacked by determined folks.

In the meantime, a terrifying safety incident has unfolded at a significant airport in Russia, with a livid mob of males seizing management of the power and surrounding a aircraft “trying to find Jews”.

Comply with alongside for reside updates of the Israel-Hamas battle.

Former Aussie PMs launch historic joint letter

Six former prime ministers have co-authored an open letter condemning Hamas, urging Australians to not “flip in opposition to one another”, and calling for peace by way of a two-state resolution.

In a historic present of unity, John Howard, Kevin Rudd, Julia Gillard, Tony Abbott, Malcolm Turnbull and Scott Morrison issued the joint assertion on Monday.

Paul Keating, who was prime minister within the first half of the Nineteen Nineties and stays a beloved Labor Social gathering determine, declined to participate – making him the one dwelling former PM to take action.

“Our multicultural nation’s success is based on the Australian values all of us share and the respect we present for our fellow Australians’ variety of cultures and faiths,” the letter begins.

“No matter is going on elsewhere on the planet, there is no such thing as a place in our nation for racial or non secular hatred. And there’s no extra tenaciously evil race hatred than antisemitism.”

The previous PMs expressed their help for the Jewish neighborhood, talking for “the overwhelming majority of Australians, of all faiths and of none” in standing in solidarity with them.

“Likewise, we stand too with the Australian Palestinian neighborhood whose households are dying and struggling on this horrible battle,” the letter continued. “They too deserve our love and help.”

The letter detailed at size condemnation of the bloodbath waged by Hamas on 7 October and demanded the discharge of some 200 Israelis who’re nonetheless held captive by the terrorist group.

“After raining hundreds of rockets down on Israel, Hamas terrorists invaded Israel and kidnapped and murdered 1400 Israelis; younger and previous, men and women, kids – not even infants have been spared.

“It was the one largest bloodbath of Jewish folks because the Holocaust and its grotesque cruelty and violence was similar to that of ISIS.”

As well as, the previous PMs mentioned they’re “horrified by the hundreds of deaths and accidents inflicted on harmless Palestinian civilians, together with many, many Palestinian kids”.

“We recommend, as we did in workplace, the Australian Authorities’s enduring help for a two-state resolution as the idea for long-term lasting peace between the Israeli and Palestinian peoples,” the letter concluded.

“Presently, greater than ever, we should within the phrases of the thirty fourth Psalm: ‘Search peace and pursue it.’ And right here at residence that’s finished by defending our Australian values, condemning hate speech and intolerance and respecting the folks of Australia in all our variety.”

Jeremy Leibler, president of the Zionist Federation of Australia, praised the letter and mentioned the Jewish neighborhood was “humbled and touched by their help”.

It has printed the letter in full on its web site.

Israel sends ‘pressing message’ to Gaza civilians

Israel seems set to dramatically intensify its assault on Gaza, with its Defence Forces issuing an “pressing message” to civilians to evacuate now.

The “window” to maneuver south from northern Gaza and Gaza Metropolis is quickly closing, a army spokesman mentioned, and the plea is “not a precaution”.

“Consideration residents of Gaza – pay attention rigorously,” Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari begins the video handle.

“To your quick security, we urge all residents of northern Gaza and Gaza metropolis to quickly relocate south.

“Hamas places your life in peril by putting weapons and forces inside civilian areas in Gaza, together with colleges, mosques and hospitals.”

The chilling warning has been met with alarm, given massive parcels of Gaza are with out phone and web entry after it was severed by Israel days in the past.

In some areas, gasoline shortages imply electrical energy provide has grow to be unreliable.

There are fears that many civilians – already displaced by relentless air strikes – is not going to see the message to evacuate earlier than it’s too late.

Widespread social media streamer Phuzzy took to X, previously Twitter, to share his shock, writing: “Step 1: Cutoff the web. Step 2: Use the web to ship them an pressing message.”

In response to the criticism, the IDF took to social media to say it’s spreading the message as broadly as it will possibly.

“It is a good alternative to say that we’ve mentioned this numerous occasions for over two weeks, together with: Dropping paper pamphlets throughout Gaza, Arabic social media, worldwide media, cellphone calls to residents of Gaza and extra.”

In his video message, Rear Admiral Hagari mentioned an “impending IDF operation is about to neutralise the specter of Hamas with precision and depth”.

Israel started its floor offensive on the weekend, but it surely was extra subdued than the nation had promised.

That might change imminently.

“To the residents of northern Gaza and Gaza Metropolis, your window to behave is closing,” Rear Admiral Hagari mentioned. “Transfer south to your personal security. Transfer south. This isn’t a mere precaution – it’s an pressing plea for the security of civilians.”

He insisted the evacuation was a “momentary measure” and mentioned “shifting again to northern Gaza” might be doable as soon as “intense hostilities” finish.

“Humanity stays haunted by the bloodbath unleashed by Hamas on October 7 – a bloodbath of harmless lives. Israeli males, ladies, kids and infants have been beheaded, executed, raped and burnt alive.

“We received’t neglect that. And the kidnapping of over 200 Israelis – we is not going to neglect.”

Israel begins ‘section two’ of Hamas offensive

Israel has commenced the “second stage” of its battle with Hamas in Palestine, which the prime minister warned might be “lengthy and troublesome”.

Troops crossed the border into Gaza on the weekend and have superior some three kilometres, based on evaluation by CNN.

The bottom offensive coincided with a ramp up of air strikes, focusing on Hamas command posts and underground tunnel networks.

Bombing surrounding Gaza’s largest hospital, Al-Quds, sparked condemnation from humanitarian teams, who mentioned an order to evacuate was unreasonable.

Nonetheless, the Israeli Defence Forces mentioned Hamas has constructed bunkers beneath the hospital.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu mentioned the subsequent section of the battle was “do or die”.

“There are moments by which a nation faces two prospects: to do or die,” Mr Netanyahu mentioned. “We now face that check and I’ve little question the way it will finish: We would be the victors. We’ll do, and we would be the victors.”

It marked his first press convention taking questions because the 7 October terrorist assaults by Hamas on Israeli civilians.

Mr Netanyahu described the swift retaliation as “our second Independence Struggle”.

“We’ll battle to guard our nation. We’ll battle on land, within the sea and within the air. We’ll destroy the enemy above floor and underground.”

Floor operations have been designed to “destroy the army and authorities capabilities of Hamas” whereas additionally in search of to free a whole bunch of Israeli hostages who stay in captivity in Gaza.

Regardless of the development of floor troops, the operation is rather more subdued than the all-out offensive that had been promised.

The explanation for the obvious restraint is recommendation from the USA, based on The Occasions of Israel, which quoted an unnamed American official.

“The Biden administration has pushed Israel to hold out a extra restricted floor operation within the Gaza Strip, because the IDF is at present conducting within the northern a part of the enclave,” the outlet reported.

“The US official says Israel’s leaders additionally at present oppose an all-out floor offensive at this stage as a result of it may properly danger the hostages at present in Gaza; and accordingly didn’t want stress from Washington so as to select the present army path.”

The White Home is alleged to have “scepticism concerning Israel’s broader technique”, it added.

No American boots on the bottom, Harris insists

America has “no intention” of sending floor troops to Israel or Gaza, Vice President Kamala Harris has insisted.

In an interview with the American tv program 60 Minutes earlier, Ms Harris echoed the feelings of President Joe Biden in saying that Israel “has a proper to defend itself”.

“A terrorist organisation, Hamas, slaughtered a whole bunch of younger folks at a live performance,” she advised this system.

“By most estimates at the least fourteen hundred Israelis are useless. Israel, with none query, has a proper to defend itself.

“That being mentioned, it is vitally necessary that there be no conflation between Hamas and the Palestinians. The Palestinians deserve equal measures of security and safety, self-determination and dignity, and we have now been very clear that the foundations of battle should be adhered to and that there be humanitarian help that flows.”

The US isn’t directing Israel what to do militarily, however Ms Harris mentioned it was offering recommendation, tools and diplomatic help.

Whereas American warships have travelled to the area and a few 2000 troops have been advised to organize to deploy, the manoeuvres are supposed to act as a deterrent to Iran and its sponsored militants within the area.

“Now we have completely no intention nor do we have now any plans to ship fight troops into Israel or Gaza, interval,” Ms Harris mentioned.

Israel air strikes ‘focusing on hospitals’

A Palestinian help organisation has accused Israel of intentionally focusing on hospitals in northern Gaza, placing sufferers in danger.

Palestinian Purple Crescent Society levelled the accusation in an announcement to the media, saying the Israeli Defence Drive has repeatedly bombed the realm surrounding Al-Quds hospital.

“This has brought about important injury to hospital departments and uncovered residents and sufferers to suffocation,” the assertion learn.

“The Israeli military intentionally continues to launch rockets immediately close to Al-Quds hospital with the goal of forcing medical employees, displaced people and sufferers to evacuate the hospital.”

The Israeli Defence Drive issued an evacuation order for the hospital, which medical doctors advised BBC was not doable with out risking affected person security.

A report from the BBC quotes a physician at Al-Quds saying that “heavy bombardment has now begun within the neighborhood”.

“Everybody, everybody, particularly the kids, is terrified,” the physician was quoted as saying. “They bomb the [residential] towers behind the hospital.”

The BBC additionally quoted a resident close to the hospital as saying: “They’ve bombed two residential towers and now they’re bombing the third one. God defend us.”

Footage shared by the British broadcaster reveals rooms contained in the hospital full of mud and with home windows shattered.

Israel vows ‘independence battle’ as air strikes intensify

A defiant Benjamin Netanyahu has declared Israel is combating “its second Struggle of Independence” because the nation kicked off its floor offensive in Gaza.

Whereas the much-anticipated transfer is so much more subdued than the Israeli prime minister had been hinting at, relentless air strikes proceed within the disputed territory.

Mr Netanyahu stopped wanting describing the operation as an invasion, however insisted Israel wouldn’t waver.

The Israeli Defence Drive confirmed 450 assaults had been carried out on Hamas targets all through Palestine previously 24 hours, together with on the terrorist group’s headquarters and antitank positions.

Palestine officers say the IDF has ordered the evacuation of a number of hospitals in Gaza, with air strikes occurring near main well being services.

Hamas leaders killed in air strikes

Two senior Hamas leaders have been killed in Israeli air strikes in Gaza, together with the mastermind of an assault on a music pageant by a bunch of paragliders.

Israeli Defence Drive officers reported Asem Abu Rakaba and Rateb Abu Tshaiban had been eradicated, alongside various different high-ranking members of the terrorist organisation.

“IDF fighter jets struck Asem Abu Rakaba, The pinnacle of Hamas’ Aerial Array,” it mentioned.

Abu Rakaba orchestrated the bloodbath on the Supernova pageant in Israel on 7 October, the place a whole bunch of individuals have been killed when terrorists parachuted in.

Abu Tshaiban was the commander of Hamas’ naval forces and had deliberate an infiltration of Israel by sea – a plot that was finally foiled.

Extra children killed in Gaza than anyplace else

Extra kids have been killed in Gaza previously three weeks than in all different international conflicts yearly over the previous 4 years, a number one humanitarian group claims.

Save the Youngsters made the stark evaluation in a social media submit in regards to the worsening civilian value of the Israel-Hamas battle.

The Palestinian well being authority say 3195 kids have died since 7 October.

That determine can’t be independently verified and the terrorist group Hamas controls the knowledge launched.

Nonetheless, Save the Youngsters mentioned the dying toll is staggering and has referred to as for an instantaneous humanitarian ceasefire.

“The numbers are harrowing and with violence not solely persevering with however increasing in Gaza proper now, many extra kids stay at grave danger,” Jason Lee, the organisation’s nation director in Palestine, advised CNN.

In keeping with the United Nations, 2985 kids died in armed conflicts throughout 24 international locations in 2022, whereas the determine was 2515 in 2021, and 2674 in 2020.

Iran’s chilling warning to the US

Iran has warned that Israel has “crossed the purple traces” in Gaza and its floor offensive “could pressure everybody to take motion”.

The stark assertion from Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi on the social media platform X, previously Twitter, marks an escalation of rhetoric from the Islamic Republic.

“The crimes of the Zionist regime have crossed the purple traces, and this may increasingly pressure everybody to take motion,” Raisi wrote. “Washington asks us to not do something, however they hold giving widespread help to Israel.”

He mentioned the US has “despatched messages to the Axis of Resistance” and acquired “a transparent response on the battlefield”.

The time period ‘Axis of Resistance’ refers to Iranian allies throughout the area, together with Hamas in Palestine, Hezbollah in Lebanon, Shiite militants in Iraq and Syria, and Yemen group Houthis.

It’s unclear what Raisi meant with the reference to “a transparent response on the battlefield” nevertheless there have been a string of alarming encounters between the US and rebels.

Up to now few days, a US navy ship intercepted missiles launched by rebels in Yemen and two American bases in Syria briefly got here below assault.

In the meantime, in Iraq, US troops got here below hearth from rockets and weaponised drones.

Tensions are operating excessive throughout the Center East and the US has dispatched two provider teams to the jap Mediterranean, hoping to ship a message to Iran and its allies to remain out of the battle.

Some 2000 American troops are additionally on standby for floor deployment if wanted.

Ben Wedeman is CNN’s senior worldwide correspondent based mostly in Beirut in Lebanon and wrote in an evaluation piece that “throughout the Center East the warning lights of extra bother to come back are blinking purple”.

A mix of devastating components are threatening to collide, Wedeman wrote.

“All of it quantities to this: the USA is careening nearer to the very actual risk of direct involvement in a regional Center Jap battle.

“Now, at finest, the US is scrambling to answer occasions largely out of its management.

“And on this harmful terrain, all of the sudden the vulnerabilities of the sprawling American army presence throughout the Center East are manifestly apparent.”

Up to now few days, a US navy ship intercepted missiles launched by rebels in Yemen and two American bases in Syria briefly got here below assault.

In the meantime, in Iraq, US troops got here below hearth from rockets and weaponised drones.

Professional-Palestine mob ‘trying to find Jews’

An offended mob took management of a giant airport and surrounded a aircraft they believed had simply arrived from Israel, looking for Jewish folks.

The horrifying safety breach occurred at Makhachkala Airport in Russia’s Dagestan Republic on Sunday night time native time.

Movies posted to social media present a big group of males, some draped in or holding Palestinian flags, storming the airport after phrase unfold {that a} flight from Israel had landed.

Crowds will be seen operating via the principle terminal after which breaching a safety screening space, smashing their manner via locked doorways within the course of.

Lots of of males then make their manner onto the tarmac and encompass an plane.

A photographer who shared one clip wrote alongside it: “The hunt for Jews on the airport in Dagestan continues, to the soundtrack of ‘Allahu Akbar’ screams.

“They even look into the aircraft’s engines, perhaps somebody is hiding there. Pogroms, a proud Russian custom, now carried out by Muslim mobs operating free with zero police presence.”

In keeping with a report within the Moscow Occasions, a few of the males blocked vehicles exterior the airport and demanded identification paperwork from drivers and passengers, as they “looked for Israeli residents among the many motorists”.

In a single clip, a bunch will be seen attacking a white police car.

Officers insisted safety measures have been working and mentioned order was finally restored on the airport.

“The federal government of the Republic of Dagestan is reporting that the scenario is below management, regulation enforcement is working on the scene,” the majority-Muslim republic’s authorities mentioned in a message shared on Telegram.

Shortly after 10pm native time, Russian safety forces seized again management of the airport and cleared out the demonstrators, with some 20 folks injured within the course of, Reuters reported.

All flights have been diverted and the airport may stay closed for the subsequent a number of days.

It seems the aircraft that landed had not arrived from Israel, nevertheless the rumours that circulated on the town have been appropriate – a flight from Tel Aviv was scheduled to land on Sunday night.

Nonetheless, the flight was diverted to a close-by air area after pilots have been warned of the safety breach on the bottom, based on experiences.

Passengers on board the aircraft in Makhachkala that was surrounded are secure, authorities advised Reuters.

The federal government referred to as on the mob to “cease unlawful acts” and resist the urge to answer “provocations” ensuing from the Israel-Hamas battle.

“We advocate that every one individuals who’ve violated the working procedures of the (airport) facility to not proceed unlawful acts and to not intrude with the work of airport workers,” a message from the federal government on Telegram learn.

“It’s not straightforward for every of us to face in a single place whereas watching the inhumane bloodbath of a civilian inhabitants – the Palestinian folks.

“On the similar time, we urge residents of the republic to not succumb to provocations of damaging teams and to not create panic in society.”

The federal government added that “federal authorities and worldwide organisations are taking all doable measures for a ceasefire in opposition to peaceable residents in Gaza”.

“We name on folks of the republic to deal with the present scenario on the planet with understanding.”

Jordan asks US for missile system

Jordan has requested the USA to deploy its Patriot air defence system to its border, involved about an escalation all through the area.

The dominion is going through rising threats from ballistic missiles, Jordanian army spokesperson Brigadier Common Mustafa Al-Hiyari advised state tv.

America’s Patriot missile defence system is “the most effective weapon to confront such a menace”.

“We requested the American facet to strengthen our defence system with Patriot missiles. This technique is dear and can’t be employed with native capabilities, and we want a strategic accomplice.”

Pointed submit swiping pro-Palestine protests

Israel has taken a swipe at pro-Palestine protesters in New York in a pointed submit on social media.

Imaginative and prescient of a demonstrator waving a mixed Palestine and rainbow flag at a rally in Brooklyn rapidly went viral, notably after it was re-shared by Israel’s official account on X, previously Twitter.

“A mixed LGBTQ + Palestine flag in New York protest right now. Why are there so many ‘queers FOR Palestine’, however completely no ‘queers IN Palestine’?

“Wanting ahead to seeing Hamas elevate the rainbow flag throughout Gaza as a thanks to your solidarity.”

Politician’s sick Hitler comment

A politician in Pakistan has sparked outrage after taking to social media to invoke Adolf Hitler and the Holocaust to assault Israel over its battle with Hamas in Gaza.

Senator Afnan Ullah Khan posted a picture of Hitler on X, previously Twitter, with the caption: “At the least now the world know [sic], why he did, what he did.”

Numerous customers condemned his phrases and Mr Khan later deleted the message. It now seems his total X profile has been eliminated.

The politician was the youngest senator ever elected in Pakistan in 2021. He was educated in the UK and acquired a doctorate in IT from Oxford.

Variety of Aussies nonetheless caught in Gaza

Overseas Minister Penny Wong has revealed 88 Australians, members of the family and visa holders stay caught in Gaza.

The federal government is working to safe secure passage amid the escalating Israel-Hamas battle, hopeful the Rafah border crossing with Egypt will be opened.

“Now we have 88 Australians and households, in order that’s residents, these on visas and members of the family, and we have now been working since this battle started to attempt to get them out of Gaza,” Senator Wong advised the ABC.

“We’re in the identical scenario, very sadly, that each different nation with overseas nationals is … when it comes to overseas nationals in Gaza. There has not been exit permitted.”

‘We gotta go, f***’: Seven information crew flee

An Australian information crew reporting from the Israel-Palestine border was compelled to run for canopy as a Hamas rocket exploded above them.

Channel 7 journalist David Woiwod was crossing reside to the community’s Early Information program simply after 6am when he and his cameraman had “a really shut name”.

“I don’t know should you can hear these blasts within the background,” Woiwod mentioned as exploding rockets may very well be seen within the distance.

“Now we have a flare going up there,” he added, stating Israel’s air defence system intercepting strikes.

Because the sound of firing rockets grew nearer, Woiwod – who was close to Sderot on the Israeli border – may very well be seen gazing upwards in panic.

“In reality, I believe we would must go now,” he mentioned. “We gotta go, f***.”

As he ran out of shot, an explosion may very well be heard and the feed was reduce. Again in a studio in Sydney, Channel 7 anchor Jodie Speers rapidly moved on to different tales.

Woiwod returned to screens about an hour later, the place he advised Dawn in regards to the chilling second he needed to run for his life.

A clip of the reside cross was replayed, albeit with the F bomb bleeped.

“An extremely shut name there, exhibiting that Israel doesn’t have a full grip of the scenario – a fluid scenario,” he mentioned.

“Hamas had fired off a rocket. They’re doing it each few hours, exhibiting no signal of lowering these rocket assaults.

“Israel is on the bottom in northern Gaza, advancing. We perceive they’re 4km into the northern Gaza border. Now we have pushed proper again, the IDF have detected what they imagine to be an antitank missile within the space as properly.”

Israel launches air strikes in Lebanon

The Israeli Air Drive has carried out a collection of strikes on Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon in response to rocket and missile hearth from the militant group.

Targets included “infrastructure for steering terror and army infrastructure” managed by the group, a defence spokesperson mentioned in an announcement.

Aerial footage of the strikes has been distributed to media.

Determined scenes in Gaza

The “cloth of society” in Gaza is deteriorating, an official from the United Nationals Reduction and Works Company (UNRWA) has declared.

In an interview with CNN, UNRWA director of Affairs for Gaza Thomas White mentioned determined civilians have looted help stockpiles within the war-torn area.

“Now we have been warning for a pair days now that if important public providers and humanitarian help wouldn’t be supplied to the inhabitants in a sustained manner we might see a breakdown in civil order,” Mr White advised the cable information community.

“What we’re seeing proper now could be the primary phases of that, and that a few of our logistic bases have been looted by a whole bunch of younger males.

“It’s a really worrying signal that the material of society is beginning to break down.”

UNRWA has referred to as for a “humanitarian ceasefire” so help organisations can “get the help that individuals want and stabilise society in Gaza”.

Biden calls for movement of help

US President Joe Biden has referred to as for Israel to “instantly and considerably enhance” the movement of humanitarian help into Gaza.

Mr Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke by way of phone in regards to the ongoing battle, an announcement from the White Home revealed.

Entry to wash water and gasoline stays restricted all through Gaza, as does meals and medical tools.

Hospitals are prone to dropping energy, which might endanger hundreds of sufferers, the World Well being Organisation experiences.

“[The president] reiterated that Israel has each proper and accountability to defend its residents from terrorism and underscored the necessity to take action in a way in step with worldwide humanitarian regulation that prioritises the safety of civilians,” the White Home mentioned.

Mr Biden and Mr Netanyahu additionally “mentioned ongoing efforts to find and safe the discharge of hostages, together with Americans who stay unaccounted for and could also be held by Hamas”.

The pair have dedicated to “stay in common session each immediately and thru their respective nationwide safety groups”.