<h1>Netanyahu: ‘We’ve eliminated thousands of terrorists'</h1>
<h5>Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addresses media during a joint press conference with French President in Jerusalem on October 24, 2023.</h5>
Benjamin Netanyahu, the Prime Minister of Israel, asserted today that the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza has resulted in the elimination of “thousands of terrorists.” In an address to the nation, he declared, “We’re bringing hellfire on Hamas, we’ve eliminated thousands of terrorists.” Netanyahu outlined Israel’s two main objectives in the war: to topple Hamas and to bring back their captives. He boldly claimed, “All the people of Hamas are dead — in the ground, above the ground, in Gaza, and out of Gaza.” He emphasized Israel’s unwavering commitment to achieving their war goals and ensuring the survival of their nation. Netanyahu also mentioned the establishment of national days of mourning.
<h1>Prime Minister Netanyahu reiterates that Israel is preparing ground invasion of Gaza</h1>
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed in a televised statement on Wednesday that Israel is making preparations for a ground invasion of Gaza. However, he refrained from providing specific details about the timing or other related information. Netanyahu pointed out that the decision to send forces into the blockaded Palestinian enclave would ultimately be made by the government’s special war cabinet.
<h1>Israel refutes Erdogan’s claim that Hamas ‘is not a terrorist organization'</h1>
Israel has firmly rejected Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s statement that Hamas is not a terrorist organization. The Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Lior Haiat, expressed disdain for Erdogan’s attempt to defend Hamas and his inflammatory rhetoric. In response, Haiat wrote on social media, “Even the Turkish president’s attempt to defend the terrorist organization and his inciting words will not change the horrors that the whole world has seen.” Erdogan made these remarks while canceling his planned visit to Israel due to the ongoing conflict.
<h1>Jack Lew’s nomination to become next ambassador to Israel moves to full Senate vote</h1>
The Senate Foreign Relations Committee has voted 12-9 to advance the nomination of Jack Lew, former U.S. Treasury Secretary, as the next ambassador to Israel. Republican Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky joined all 11 Democrats on the committee in supporting Lew’s nomination. The nomination will now proceed to the full Senate for a final confirmation vote, expected to take place next week.
<h1>UN chief Guterres says comments on Hamas attacks were misrepresented</h1>
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres clarified that his comments on Hamas attacks were misinterpreted and twisted to suit a false narrative. Guterres asserted that he did not justify acts of terror by Hamas, but instead acknowledged the violations of international law committed in Gaza. He expressed shock at the backlash he received and emphasized the need to set the record straight, especially out of respect for the victims and their families.
<h1>Former Treasury Secretary Jack Lew expected to win Senate confirmation to be next ambassador to Israel</h1>
Former Treasury Secretary Jack Lew’s nomination as the next ambassador to Israel is anticipated to receive Senate confirmation. Democratic Senator Joe Manchin announced his support for Lew, describing him as an honest and straightforward person. Manchin called on the Senate to act swiftly on Lew’s nomination, allowing him to start his diplomatic duties in Israel promptly. With Manchin’s endorsement, Lew’s confirmation appears likely. Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Ben Cardin has indicated that a vote could potentially take place this week.
<h1>Telegram blocks Hamas channels on Android</h1>
Messaging app Telegram has restricted access to channels associated with the Palestinian militant group Hamas. The official Hamas channel, hamas_com, and the Al-Qassem brigades channel, which is Hamas’ military wing, have been blocked for Android users. Social media companies have faced significant pressure to take action against the spread of misinformation and pro-Hamas propaganda during the Israel-Hamas conflict.
<h1>UK sending plane with humanitarian aid for Gaza to Egypt</h1>
The United Kingdom is dispatching a plane carrying humanitarian aid for Palestinian civilians to Egypt. The U.K. Ministry of Defense confirmed the delivery on social media. Typically, aid delivered to Egypt is subsequently transported by truck to the Gaza Strip through the Rafah crossing. However, relief groups have cautioned that the current aid provided is insufficient to meet the urgent needs of the Palestinian people, particularly their need for fuel.
<h1>Syrian media says Aleppo airport runway struck by Israel</h1>
State-run Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) reported that an Israeli missile attack targeted the runway of Aleppo airport in Syria, causing damage. However, CNBC was unable to independently verify the claim. The Aleppo airport had already been offline since an Israeli missile strike on October 22. Both Aleppo and Damascus’ international airports have been targeted by Israel throughout the Israel-Hamas conflict. The Israel Defense Forces did not publicly comment on the alleged strike. In a separate Israeli attack, SANA confirmed that eight Syrian soldiers were killed and seven injured, while the IDF stated that it targeted Syrian military infrastructure and mortar launchers in response to rocket launches from Syria.
<h1>Peace talks in the Middle East will take time to resume, World Bank chief says</h1>
World Bank President Ajay Banga believes that it will be some time before progress towards a more peaceful Middle East can resume. He acknowledged that the Israel-Hamas war has disrupted nascent normalization talks and made regional cooperation more challenging. Banga stated, “I think it’s clearly going to be a little while until this sort of works out one way or the other.”
<h1>Qatar says ground incursion could complicate hostage return</h1>
Qatar’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Majed al-Ansari, expressed concern that an Israeli ground incursion into the Gaza Strip could complicate efforts to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas. Al-Ansari clarified that Qatar’s mediation efforts are focused on hostage release and distinct from broader de-escalation discussions. Currently, the Israeli military estimates that Hamas is holding approximately 222 hostages, with only four released thus far. The Israel Defense Forces have stated that a full hostage return and the complete surrender of Hamas are the only conditions for ending the war. Qatar has positioned itself as an intermediary in the conflict but has faced challenges in navigating a resolution.
