Palestinians fight for their lives and their stolen lands

[Anthea]

Exclusive: Palestinian Resistance warns

Israel against Gaza invasion

A source from the Palestinian Resistance told Al Mayadeen that the Resistance is preparing itself for a long battle with the Occupation and confirms that "the Israeli enemy will sacrifice half of its army if it launches a ground invasion into the Gaza Strip."

A source from the Palestinian Resistance told Al Mayadeen that the Resistance is “preparing itself for a long-term battle with the occupation forces,” stressing that it has all the capabilities necessary for this battle.

The source stated that the Resistance fighters are still in full combat readiness, and are still "carrying out offensive missions in the heart of enemy colonies."

The source further stressed that if the enemy launches a ground invasion of the Gaza Strip, it will "effectively sacrifice half of its army," revealing that the resistance has intelligence regarding all of the enemy's movements, "even those that take place inside its military sites."

The source also told Al Mayadeen that the resistance is working according to pre-prepared operational plans and that this is taking place in full coordination with the Axis of Resistance joint operations room.

In its editorial page, the Israeli newspaper Haaretz called on the Israeli government to urgently work for the release of settlers held captive by Hamas and the PIJ in the Gaza Strip.

"The meaning is clear: an immediate push for a prisoner exchange deal, with Israeli readiness to release the security prisoners held in Israel."

The newspaper added that the Israeli government's lethal retaliatory attack is evidence that returning the captives is not a priority for the government at the moment.

The newspaper also criticized the Israeli government's decision to act by the Hanibal Protocol regarding the captives in Gaza. The rule of thumb of the Hanibal Protocol is "Better a dead soldier than a captive soldier".

The newspaper quoted the Israeli Ambassador to the United Nations, Gilad Erdan, in an interview with CNN expressing concern for the situation of the captives "will not prevent us from doing everything required to ensure Israel's future."

The Director-General of the Israeli Prime Minister's Office, Yossi Shelly, said: "The captives are a reality, and the attack is a reality, and this is the decision".

https://english.almayadeen.net/news/pol ... -of-gaza-i

[Anthea]

Russia Advocates

Creation of Sovereign Palestinian State

On Wednesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin voiced support for the creation of a sovereign Palestinian state as a permanent solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict

"Without addressing the fundamental political issues, the most critical of which is the establishment of a sovereign Palestinian state, it is impossible to resolve the problem as a whole," he stated during the forum of the Russian Energy Week 2023.

Putin recalled that the United States had attempted to substitute fundamental political problem-solving in the Middle East with "some economic handouts."

While addressing economic issues is essential for lower-income families, it will not be sufficient to end a decades-long conflict, he stressed.

The Russian president urged Washington not to exacerbate the situation by deploying the aircraft carrier Gerald Ford, the guided-missile cruiser USS Normandy, and the guided-missile destroyers Thomas Hudner, USS Ramage, USS Carney, and USS Roosevelt to the region.

"I don't understand why the U.S. is sending aircraft carriers to the Mediterranean Sea... I don't see the reason. Are they planning to bomb Lebanon or something? What are they going to do? Or have they simply decided to intimidate someone?," Putin wondered.

Furthermore, the Russian leader accused the United States of neglecting the established mechanisms for resolving the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, including the creation of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.

The signals coming from Iran, Syria and Lebanon indicate that, if Israel tries to occupy Gaza, there is a decision to open all fronts against Israel which practically means regional war and direct American intervention.
Bloody days are ahead in West Asia❗️ pic.twitter.com/QWaYIfQtb0
— Kevork Almassian (@KevorkAlmassian) October 11, 2023

He also mentioned that the issue of settlers in occupied Palestinian territory, along with other factors, had finally ignited this new conflict.

"Of course, it's a tragedy, and there are grievances on both sides, but what we must now strive for is to minimize losses among the elderly, women, and children," the Russian president said.

"I hope that in the near future, the situation will calm down. That's what we have to do. Because if the conflict spreads to other regions, it will also have tragic consequences," Putin warned, emphasizing that Russia has always advocated for the implementation of UN resolutions and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.

Among these severe consequences, Putin highlighted potential short-term disruptions in global energy markets, which would directly affect Europe.

https://www.telesurenglish.net/news/Rus ... -0011.html

[Anthea]

Has Israel Gone Mad

Israel attacks on Damascus, Aleppo airports

Al Mayadeen correspondent in Damascus reported that the Syrian air defenses intercepted Israeli air strikes on the airports of Damascus and Aleppo

Activists on social media shared images and footage of the targeting of the two airports.

Al Mayadeen's correspondent in Aleppo reported that the Syrian air defenses intercepted an attack targeting Aleppo Airport, reporting that the runway was damaged.

Correspondingly, Israeli media also reported an air strike on Damascus International Airport.

Shortly afterward, the Syrian Ministry of Defense issued a statement condemning the Israeli aggression.

"The aggression damaged the runways at Damascus and Aleppo airports and took them out of service," the statement read.

"This is a desperate attempt by the criminal Zionist enemy to divert attention from its crimes in Gaza."

The statement then framed this aggression as being part of a persistent strategy by "Israel" to indirectly support the takfiri terrorists in Syria, which serves as an extension for "Israel" in Syria.

Yesterday, it was reported that mortar shells were launched toward the "Ramat Magshimim" settlement in the occupied Golan Heights from Syria on Tuesday evening.

In response, the Israeli occupation forces shelled the sources of fire in Syrian territories, according to Israeli media outlets.

Informed Syrian sources indicated that the Israeli occupation bombarded the Wadi Jamla area in the western countryside of Daraa, near the southern part of the occupied Golan Heights.

It is worth noting that the settlement had been built on the ruins of the Palestinian village of al-Abasiyah.

With the launching of Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, the Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that the Palestinian Resistance factions have paved the way to achieve non-negotiable Palestinian rights.

Syria condemned "the brutal practices of the Israeli occupation against the Palestinian people," emphasizing that "the Resistance's response confirms the Palestinian people's right to establish their independent state on their land."

Syria has been a long supporter of the Palestinian Resistance, providing Gaza with the necessary means to effectively confront Israeli aggression.

Moreover, it has been a constant target of Israeli air strikes and rocket fire that have hit civilian infrastructure such as airports and residential areas. "Israel" has also relentlessly targeted Syrian Air Defense batteries in recent years in an attempt to undermine the Syrian Arab Army's capabilities.

https://english.almayadeen.net/news/pol ... o-airports

[Anthea]

Israel Destroys 752 Residential

Buildings in Gaza

On Thursday, Salama Maarouf, the head of the Hamas-run government media office, denounced that Israel destroyed about 752 residential buildings in its airstrikes on Gaza.

Forty-two government headquarters and dozens of public facilities and establishments have been also destroyed since Saturday.

In addition, about 89 schools were attacked by the strikes, and nine of them became no longer operational, Maarouf said, calling on the international community to intervene immediately to stop the Israeli strikes on Gaza

The Israeli airstrikes followed Hamas' surprise military operation on southern Israeli towns adjacent to the Gaza Strip. Both sides have suffered heavy casualties during this round of conflict, with a death toll amounting to more than 2,700 as of Thursday.

Some victims of the Israeli bombing,then you find the countries of the world support #Israel under the pretext of its right to self-defense and because it is a peace-loving country!Where are these children’s rights?And what kind of peace they are talking about?#Gaza_under_attack pic.twitter.com/nOqlODAb90
— Raghad Karasneh (@raghad_karasneh) October 12, 2023

Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Israel on Thursday, pledging support and more weapon deliveries for Israel.

In a live broadcast statement alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Blinken said that more shipments of U.S. arms were "on the way." A cargo plane carrying the first shipment of advanced weaponry landed in Israel on Tuesday.

"As long as America exists... we will always be there by your side," Blinken said, reiterating U.S. President Joe Biden's pledge that Washington will provide additional military assistance.

FromTheSouth News Bits | Israeli forces continue the siege against the civilian population in the Gaza Strip. The Palestinian Health Ministry reported at least 900 dead and more than 4,200 injured. pic.twitter.com/cYc9lvGEIu
— teleSUR English (@telesurenglish) October 11, 2023

https://www.telesurenglish.net/news/Israel-Destroys-752-Residential-Buildings-in-Gaza-Hamas-20231012-0008.html

[Anthea]

X censors accounts supporting Hamas

X has thus far responded to over 80 takedown requests from the EU, and no notifications regarding illegal content have been received from Europol

X platform's Chief Executive Officer, Linda Yaccarino, confirmed on Thursday that they have removed hundreds of accounts supporting Hamas and have also removed or labeled thousands of pieces of content since the commencement of Operation Al-Aqsa Flood.

This came as a response to EU industry chief Thierry Breton's 24 ultimatum handed to X owner Elon Musk to address the spread of disinformation on X to comply with the new EU online content policies, as Breton claimed to have indications that X was disseminating illegal content and fake news in the European Union.

According to Yaccarino, X redistributed resources and reshaped internal teams to address the situation, adding that X established a leadership group to assess the situation shortly after it began.

Posted on X, Yaccarino said to Breton: "We wish to reiterate that we welcome further engagement with you and your team, including a meeting, to address any specific questions and look forward to receiving further specifics to which we can respond".

As per the letter, X has thus far responded to over 80 takedown requests from the EU, and no notifications regarding illegal content have been received from Europol.

On Wednesday, Breton granted the platform a 24-hour window to report the actions taken to curb the dissemination of disinformation.

The Facebook platform has imposed bans on sharing any posts containing the hashtag #OperationAlAqsaFlood and has also prohibited posts containing content related to Palestine.

Consequently, users are unable to share their posts with this hashtag during the ongoing Operation Al-Aqsa Flood by the Palestinian resistance and the continued Israeli aggression against the Gaza Strip, now entering its sixth consecutive day.

Meta has been suspending accounts as well like that of Al Mayadeen English on Instagram and RedStream

@Instagram temporarily suspended @AlMayadenEnglish account on #Instagram to censor its reporting on what is happening in #Palestine. The account was restored after filing an appeal.
Our account was suspended with no prior notice, nor were we informed of the true reason for the… pic.twitter.com/bFgBWpmy51
— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) October 9, 2023

"Israel" and its supporters have sought on numerous occasions to remove opposing voices from the airwaves or the internet.

Former Israeli Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked boasted that she worked closely with Facebook to censor Palestinian voices, with the Silicon Valley company agreeing to remove around 95% of the information she requested.

BREAKING: They BANNED @propandco page for speaking out for Palestine! Please share and tag @meta and @instagram and demand they stop censoring pro-Palestine voices!
Ahmad’s videos reached over 2,000,000 views and was dismantling the propaganda used to justify crimes against Gaza pic.twitter.com/wR4dKtbSw0
— Hassan Shibly (@HassanShibly) October 12, 2023

X censoring content may not completely come as a surprise, especially after a report released in June by MintPress found that, after conducting an analysis of employment and recruitment websites, X has hired “an alarming number” of ex-FBI agents and other former “feds and spies.”

However, MintPress noted that Twitter is not the only social media platform that is “cultivating such an intimate relationship with the FBI and other groups belonging to the secret state.”

https://english.almayadeen.net/news/pol ... f-operatio

[Anthea]

Crush Israel if it sets foot in Gaza

Al-Qassam Brigades spokesperson Abu Obeida underlines that the Palestinian resistance would utterly crush the Israeli occupation if it dares enter Gaza

As the battle enters its sixth day, the spokesperson of Hamas' armed wing, Al-Qassam Brigades, made a public address during which he commented on the latest events and developments in light of Operation Al-Aqsa Flood.

Al-Qassam Brigades spokesperson Abu Obeida underlined that the current battle, Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, kicked off from where the last major battle, 2021's Seif Al-Quds, stopped. "We went into this battle for the prisoners."

Al-Qassam Brigades "accomplished in this battle far more than we believed and planned to, and the pace of coordination with the Axis of Resistance has increased and developed when it comes to the future of the struggle against the enemy before the battle."

"Operation Al-Aqsa Flood began was based on an analysis of the area of ​​operations, such as the land and weather and their impact. The leadership was working tirelessly around the clock with this goal in mind," Abu Obeida underlined.

The military spokesperson revealed that Operation Al-Aqsa Flood saw the resistance launching 3,500 rockets and artillery shells aimed at the Gaza Division. "We destroyed 15 sites and stuck another 10 sites for auxiliary forces."

"We were keen to hide our intentions, military exercises, and moves before carrying out Operation Al-Aqsa Flood. We drew up extensive plans to train our forces and allow them to be capable of carrying out their tasks efficiently," he said.

Abu Obeida added that the Palestinian Resistance has been strategically deceiving the Israeli occupation since early 2022.

"The enemy is committing horrid crimes against innocent civilians, and it is our priority to hold its leadership accountable," he said. "Operation Al-Aqsa Flood is ongoing still."

"Al-Qassam Brigades is in control of the course of the battle, and we underline our preparedness in terms of defense. Our military infrastructure and armament enable us to efficiently defend ourselves," the spokesperson added.

Talking to the resilient Palestinians in Al-Aqsa Mosque, the occupied West Bank, and Gaza, "Our battles are for the Holy Al-Aqsa Mosque," he said. "If [Israel] dares to enter Gaza, we will crush its army."

"The notion that the enemy could expand the battle to a land invasion will push us to utilize our options that would be very costly for the enemy in terms of manpower and vehicles," he underlined.

Finally, Abu Obeida addressed the Palestinian prisoners whom he said this battle was for. "All the cards in our hands will be used to pay the price for your freedom," he said, calling on the Resistance and revolutionary youth in the West Bank and the Palestinian territories occupied in 1948, as well as the entire Islamic world, to set the ground ablaze underneath the feet of the Israeli occupation.

In the early hours of Saturday morning, the al-Qassam Brigades caught the Israeli occupation army by surprise, triggering a state of fear and chaos across the occupied territories.

As reported by The Washington Post, "The scale and scope of Saturday's barrage were unparalleled. Over 3,000 rockets targeted numerous communities in southern Israel, towns in central Israel, the Negev Desert, and even reached as far as Tel Aviv and Al-Quds."

The Post cited Israeli media reports indicating that Palestinian resistance fighters managed to capture 22 Israeli settlements in the south, including some under siege late Saturday evening, referring to a significant turn of events.

"Israel’s border with Gaza is one of the most heavily fortified in the region, walled off with a high-tech barrier fence and guarded by military outposts," according to the Post.

This portrayal indirectly underscores the remarkable display of strength exhibited by the Palestinian resistance. That said, recent footage circulating on social media has depicted the Palestinian resistance's use of a bulldozer to breach a section of fence and gain access to the occupied territory, a move that seemingly occurred "without resistance from Israeli forces."

As reported by The Washington Post, before the recent operation, the October War in 1973 was considered the "largest intelligence failure in Israeli history, as Egyptian and Syrian forces killed thousands of Israeli forces in an Israeli attack." Operation al-Aqsa Flood, however, took the Israeli occupation back down a dark path, leaving Israelis wondering how its army "could have been caught so flat-flooded."

Israeli media reported that “Israel was humiliated and defeated today,” adding that "even if Gaza is destroyed... that will not atone for the most serious security failure since the Yom Kippur war,” he wrote about the 1973 October war.

https://english.almayadeen.net/news/pol ... :-abu-obei

[Anthea]

Israelis mulling starving people in Gaza

An Israeli source told Seymour Hersh that Hamas forces are believed to live underground, rendering the Leningrad approach more effective as it would avoid a ground offensive

According to US investigative journalist Seymour Hersh, an Israeli national security veteran said that "Israel" is pondering whether to use an approach to starve out "Hamas forces" in Gaza and avoid an invasion, something the source said may lead to the murder of nearly 100,000 civilians.

The Israeli source told Hersh that “The big debate today … is whether to starve Hamas out or kill as many as 100,000 people in Gaza,” adding that, “Hamas now only has a two or three-day supply of purified water and that, along with a lack of food … may be enough to flush all the Hamas [forces] out.”

The Israeli occupation continues to bombard residential areas and hospitals, as well as vital infrastructure in the Gaza Strip amid a stifling blockade that is putting at risk numerous vital resources, such as fuel, food, and medicine, with the health sector being seriously jeopardized by the stifling siege.

Information revealed to Al Mayadeen indicates that the humanitarian situation in Gaza is being exacerbated by the hour, with 330,000 people, 15% of Gaza's population, being displaced since the start of the aggression. This figure does not include the families moving between their families' homes, meaning this figure could be as high as 33%.

The Palestinian people, according to information obtained by Al Mayadeen, do not feel safe in UNRWA schools where they usually take shelter.

Arab foreign ministers called for the "immediate" dispatch of food, fuel, and humanitarian aid to Gaza, urging the Israeli occupation to reconsider its unjust blockade.

The source told Hersh that Hamas forces are believed to live underground, rendering the starvation approach more effective as it would avoid a ground offensive.

According to the source, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and occupation officials are skeptical they could manage a ground attack in Gaza since they have not been trained for warfare and are primarily utilized as security guards in the West Bank.

The source also believes the starvation method may also push Hamas to release some hostages in return for supplies.

The situation is exceedingly fluid and unexpected, and "Israel" may opt to launch a broad ground assault, according to the source.

The Leningrad Siege

The Siege of Leningrad stands as one of the darkest chapters of World War II, when German and Finnish forces, under the command of Nazi German leader Adolf Hitler, besieged the city of Leningrad in the Soviet Union. The attack resulted in an estimated 1.2 million casualties, including 140,000 children, over approximately 842 days

Nazi forces laid siege to the city of Leningrad, now known as St. Petersburg, during World War II, from September 8, 1941, to January 27, 1944, hoping to break Soviet resistance and capture the city.

Hitler tasked the besieging forces with destroying the city to the largest extent possible, using aerial bombardment and artillery shelling, before entering it in the spring to displace its residents to remote Russian regions or take them as prisoners.

During the city's siege by Nazi forces time, civilians endured the hardships of starvation, indiscriminate shelling, and air raids.

German forces cut off Leningrad from the south and west, encircling the city by land and sea, and blocking all supplies from reaching the city.

The residents of Leningrad suffered greatly during the siege, losing access to food, water, electricity, and medical care. Over a million people in the city perished due to hunger and disease.

Studies have shown that shelling and bombing by the invaders accounted for 3% of siege victims, while the majority succumbed to food shortages and sickness due to the shortage of essential goods.

Atrocity' allegations debunked

Netanyahu alleged that what Hamas carried out was worse than ISIS, claiming “evidence” that Hamas members committed war crimes. However, these allegations have been debunked.

Oren Oziv, a journalist based in "Israel" and part of the group of journalists who were admitted into a media tour of the "Kfar Azza" settlement, denied reports of "Hamas beheading children."

"During the tour, we didn’t see any evidence of this, and the army spokesperson or commanders also didn’t mention any such incidents," Oren Ziv said in a post on X.

https://english.almayadeen.net/news/pol ... ur-hersh-r

[Anthea]

Exclusive:

Gaza only hours away from health sector shutdown:

The spokesperson of the Palestinian Ministry of Health in Gaza says to Al Mayadeen that the health sector in Gaza is collapsing as medicines run out amid power outages.

Gaza is only a few hours away from essential services completely shutting down, and the health sector is in collapse, Palestinian health ministry spokesperson Ashraf Al-Qudra told Al Mayadeen on Thursday.

"Medicines are dwindling and have almost run out," Al-Qudra said, noting that only life-saving units were operating in Gaza's hospitals due to the existing fuel shortages.

"The patients and wounded in Gaza's hospitals are laying on the floor as there are no beds in the ICU units, with patients piling up in front of the operation rooms," the health official added.

According to Al-Qudra, Gaza is experiencing a complete wipeout of its residential areas, with whole families being taken out of the Palestinian civil registry. The health official further noted that there are complete families under the rubble in Gaza.

He also reported that as per the Health Ministry's latest toll, there have been 1,426 martyrs, including 447 children, since the beginning of the Israeli occupation's aggression on Gaza.

It is likely that the number of martyrs and wounded will continue to rise, with many people trapped under the rubble, while the humanitarian conditions are extremely difficult amid great pressure facing hospitals, which are at threat of going out of service when they run out of fuel soon.

Thousands of casualties

This is happening as the Israeli occupation continues to bombard residential areas and hospitals, as well as vital infrastructure in the Gaza Strip amid a stifling blockade that is putting at risk numerous vital resources, such as fuel, food, and medicine, with the health sector being seriously jeopardized by the stifling siege.

Information revealed to Al Mayadeen indicates that the humanitarian situation in Gaza is being exacerbated by the hour, with 330,000 people, 15% of Gaza's population, being displaced since the start of the aggression. This figure does not include the families moving between their families' homes, meaning this figure could be as high as 33%.

The Palestinian people, according to information obtained by Al Mayadeen, do not feel safe in UNRWA schools where they usually take shelter.

The displacement is taking place amid a stark water crisis that might cause disasters and epidemics, as well as facilitate the spread of disease.

Paramount damages

The Israeli occupation forces announced that its air force destroyed more than 22,639 homes, 10 health institutions, 48 schools, and dozens of mosques, which far exceeds all previous damages done throughout previous rounds of aggression on Gaza with a highly short time margin.

The Israeli occupation forces are gradually working to bomb government and partisan buildings, with even the homes of military personnel, politicians, and lower-ranking soldiers being targeted.

The Palestinian Ministry of Health said there is a severe shortage of 44% of medicines, 32% of medical supplies, and 60% of laboratory and blood bank supplies, as well as the collapse of power generators amid a stark fuel crisis and a collapse in the Palestinian ambulance and emergency response systems.

As of the sixth day of aggression on Gaza, an average of 200 people are martyred per day, with 900 injured in the same time span, with the number of martyrs likely to rise at any moment as the health authorities continue to find more martyrs as they go into more neighborhoods and buildings.

The Palestinian Health Ministry in Gaza announced earlier in the day that the number of martyrs rose to 1,354 and the number of wounded rose to 6,049.

Patients may lose their lives

The cutting of electricity would also lead to the discontinuation of life-saving procedures, such as heart catheters, C-sections, and surgical interventions, not to mention 58 laboratories and blood banks being forced to shut down amid the critical need for them.

1100 renal failure patients could also lose their lives as a result, including 38 children.

Gaza’s Health Ministry has already put in place measures to save fuel, including shutting off power from local generators for a few hours and directing electricity toward the more essential wards.

https://english.almayadeen.net/news/pol ... -exclusive

[Anthea]

White Phosphorus used in Gaza

Human Rights Watch confirms that the Israeli occupation used white phosphorus in its attacks on the Gaza Strip and Lebanon

Human Rights Watch confirmed that the Israeli occupation used white phosphorus in its attacks on Gaza and Lebanon on October 10 and 11.

In a Q&A article about white phosphorus, Human Rights Watch expressed concerns about the Israeli occupation's use of phosphorus in military operations in Gaza and Lebanon, highlighting the serious and long-term risks it poses to civilians.

Human Rights Watch substantiated these claims with video evidence from Lebanon and Gaza, which depicted multiple airbursts of artillery-fired white phosphorus over the Gaza City port and two rural locations along the Israel-Lebanon border.

White phosphorus, with its dual capability for marking, signaling, and obscuring or as an incendiary weapon, can cause severe burns to individuals and ignite structures, fields, and other civilian objects in the vicinity.

The use of white phosphorus in Gaza, one of the most densely populated areas globally, significantly heightens the danger to civilians and constitutes a breach of international humanitarian law's prohibition on needlessly endangering civilians.

International law explicitly forbids the use of phosphorus, and such actions are considered violations by the occupying forces. It's worth noting that assaults employing air-delivered incendiary weapons in civilian areas are outlawed under Protocol III of the Convention on Conventional Weapons (CCW).

Lama Fakih, Director of the Middle East and North Africa division at Human Rights Watch emphasized, "Whenever white phosphorus is employed in densely populated civilian zones, it presents a grave risk of agonizing burns and enduring suffering."

She further explained, "White phosphorus is inherently indiscriminate when airburst in densely populated urban regions, as it can ignite buildings and cause severe harm to civilians."

IOF murders civilians using white phosphorus

Earlier, the spokesperson for the Civil Defense in Gaza, Mahmoud Basal, told Al Mayadeen that "the occupation is committing acts of genocide": adding that they were employing white phosphorus in their attacks against civilian targets.

He added that the occupation is committing acts of genocide amid an absence of any Arab intervention.

"The occupation is committing many massacres, with the latest being in the Al-Rimal neighborhood, which was considered relatively safe," Basal said: adding that there are many deaths in the northern parts of Gaza that are inaccessible to the Civil Defense teams.

Chemical Properties

White phosphorus is a combustible (ignites when exposed to oxygen) and a severely fatal chemical. The combustible reaction produces light, heavy white smoke, and heat of about 815°C.

White phosphorus is highly soluble in human flesh and causes deadly thermal and chemical burns that can go as deep as the bones.

Direct contact is extremely excruciating and can leave long-lasting damage to internal organs. Even inhaling its vapor can cause severe inflammation in the trachea.
Under International Law

The use of white phosphorus bombs, which fall under the category of incendiary weapons in international law, is governed by Article 2 Protocol III of the 1980 Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons (to which "Israel" is a signatory).

Article 2.1 reads that the use of white phosphorus bombs against civilians and civilian objects is absolutely prohibited.

Furthermore, Article 2.2 specifies that even targeting any military objective located within a concentration of civilians by airstrikes is also categorically prohibited.
Israeli precedents in employing Phosphorus

The Israeli occupation forces had long used various internationally prohibited weapons against civilians in violation of international humanitarian law.

Israeli occupation forces employed white phosphorus bombs in 2006 against Lebanese civilians, in 2008-2009 against Palestinian civilians in Gaza, and again in 2014 against civilians in Gaza.

In all three wars, "Israel" claimed to use phosphorus bombs for illumination purposes.

https://english.almayadeen.net/news/pol ... ghts-watch

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Iraqi Mass Demonstration in Support of Gaza

Supporters of powerful Iraqi Shia cleric Muqtada al-Sadr are making preparations for demonstrations on Friday to express solidarity with the Palestinian state, particularly the Gaza Strip

Sadr, leader of the Sadr Movement, issued a message to Baghdad's security forces, extending a special invitation to the army and police for their participation in these demonstrations.

The Sadr Movement leader also extended invitations to Sheikhs, university professors, and students, emphasizing that the Palestinian issue is a matter of concern for all. The supporters of Muqtada al-Sadr are gearing up for a substantial demonstration in Baghdad, with expectations of a million-man march.

This comes in response to the recent escalation of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, during which Hamas, the Palestinian military wing, fired over 5,000 rockets into areas controlled by Israel, resulting in casualties on both sides.

https://www.basnews.com/en/babat/826715

[Anthea]

Evidence of War Crimes in Gaza

On Wednesday, the Commission of Inquiry for the Occupied Palestinian Territories warned about evidence suggesting serious violations of international law in the escalating conflict between Hamas and Israel

Commission members said that they have clear evidence that war crimes may have been committed in the latest explosion of violence in Israel and Gaza, which began on October 7 and is considered the most serious in decades.

All those who have violated international law and targeted civilians must be held accountable for their crimes, warned the report, which also stressed the need to end the occupation to stop the violence.

Recognizing the Palestinian people's right to self-determination is fundamental to stop the conflict, it added

"Taking civilian hostages and using civilians as human shields are war crimes," they stressed; at the same time, they rejected the complete siege of the Gaza Strip, where water, food, electricity and fuel have been cut off.

The text noted as well that this will undoubtedly cost civilian lives, as well as being collective punishment.

According to the procedures, the Commission must inquire into the events and identify those responsible for violations of international law on all sides and at all levels, both those directly committing international crimes and those in positions of responsibility in the chain of command.

According to a press release from the United Nations, the Commission will share its findings with the relevant judicial authorities, especially the International Criminal Court, where the Office of the Prosecutor has already launched an investigation into the situation in Palestine since 2021.

Moreover, the Commission also noted that the only way to end violence and achieve sustainable peace includes addressing the root causes of the conflict, ending the illegal occupation of Palestinian territory and recognizing the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination

https://www.telesurenglish.net/news/Clear-Evidence-of-War-Crimes-in-Gaza-United-Nations-20231012-0013.html

[Anthea]

Israel gives ultimatum for evacuation

The Israeli occupation attacks on Gaza on Thursday night were one of its most violent and brutal so far

The Israeli occupation entity said in a statement that 1.1 million people living in northern Gaza must evacuate within the next 24 hours, hinting at plans to start a much-feared ground invasion of the devastated Strip that has been under nonstop bombing since last Saturday.

Responding to the Israeli announcement, the United Nations warned that this order would be "impossible" to take place, sounding the alarm on "devastating humanitarian consequences.”

"The United Nations strongly appeals for any such order, if confirmed, to be rescinded avoiding what could transform what is already a tragedy into a calamitous situation," the UN said in a statement.

"Tel Aviv" also told the UN that it should remove its staff working in Gaza within the same time period.

“It’s completely unprecedent,” one UN official said, according to CBS News, on condition of anonymity.

The UN evacuated a number of foreign employees from one of the hotels northwest of Gaza, Al Mayadeen's correspondent said on Friday.

This is genocide

Meanwhile, the Israeli bombing of besieged Gaza continued throughout Thursday night for the sixth consecutive day since the launching of the Palestinian Resistance Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, last Saturday morning, in response to the ongoing unbearable Israeli crimes against Palestinians.

The dark-time airstrikes were one of the most violent yet, targeting entire residential neighborhoods and buildings, leaving nothing but dust, debris, and casualties behind as the number of martyrs continues to rise horrifically.

The Palestinian Health Ministry revealed on Thursday that the total number of Palestinian martyrs in the brutal Israeli aggression has surpassed 1,500 and the wounded are now over 6,600, noting that over half of the martyrs are children and women: 447 children and 248 women.

Palestinian media said the Israeli occupation army committed at least two new massacres in Gaza last night, including two families as per the latest reports, with an initial estimated count of over 40 martyrs so far.

Continuing through the early hours of Friday, Israeli warplanes targeted neighborhoods in Gaza's central and northern provinces. The occupation army also bombed a residential building in the Beach Camp, also known as al-Shati', on the coast of Gaza. The Beach Camp is the Strip's third densely populated refugee camp.

Meanwhile, Al Mayadeen's correspondent confirmed that the occupation is further expanding the circle of fire in Gaza and intensifying airstrikes, confirming that dozens of Palestinians were martyred in the Thursday night Israeli attacks.

Al-Bureij camp, the area in which one of the massacres took place, and al-Yarmouk are being targeted continuously by Israeli artillery and warplanes.

Additionally, our reporter said violent Israeli raids targeted the Gaza port area, adding that warships were also participating in the strikes against the Strip's beaches and coast.

The Israeli occupation army destroyed entire areas in Gaza's al-Shujaiya neighborhood, including Moaz and Omar schools, as well as al-Mantar Street.

Not even drinking water

The number of forcefully displaced people in Gaza had risen by an additional 84,444 people and reached 423,378, the UN humanitarian agency OCHA said in a statement sent on Friday.

As a result of the continued unprecedented Israeli aggression, "most residents in the Gaza Strip no longer have access to drinking water from service providers or domestic water through pipelines," OCHA said. "UNICEF reports some have already begun drinking seawater" in response to the lack of clean water, it added.

The agency also stressed that "health facilities are overwhelmed, medical stocks are in short supply and access to hospitals and medical care is being hindered by the ongoing hostilities and damaged roads." Furthermore, nearly 5,500 women in Gaza who are expected to give birth in the coming month are "struggling to access essential health services as healthcare workers, hospitals and clinics come under attack."

Palestinian Health Ministry Spokesperson Ashraf al-Qudra told Al Mayadeen on Thursday that Gaza is only a few hours away from essential services completely shutting down, and the health sector is collapsing.

"The patients and wounded in Gaza's hospitals are laying on the floor as there are no beds in the ICU units, with patients piling up in front of the operation rooms," the health official added.

White phosphorus against Gaza, Lebanon

Late Thursday, Human Rights Watch HRW confirmed that the Israeli occupation used white phosphorus in its attacks on Gaza and Lebanon on October 10 and 11.

In a Q&A article about white phosphorus, HRW expressed concerns about the Israeli occupation's use of phosphorus in military operations in Gaza and Lebanon, highlighting the serious and long-term risks it poses to civilians.

Human Rights Watch substantiated these claims with video evidence from Lebanon and Gaza, which depicted multiple airbursts of artillery-fired white phosphorus over the Gaza City port and two rural locations along the occupied Palestine-Lebanon border.

https://english.almayadeen.net/news/pol ... fies-bombi

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Israel warps reality, funds twisted ads

In addition to the harrowing military aggression and total blockade against Gaza, "Israel" launches an extensive disinformation campaign

Amid a hysteric military aggression on Gaza, "Israel" conducts a widespread misinformation and incitement campaign through various media outlets and social platforms. The primary targets of this campaign are Palestinians, and it aims to dehumanize and demonize them, potentially paving the way to "justify" genocide.

The Israeli occupation has reportedly intensified its efforts to manipulate public perception and shape the narrative surrounding the ongoing Israeli brutality. Traditional media, as well as social media platforms like YouTube and X, have become battlegrounds for this disinformation campaign.

Blue, pink and yellow unicorns: One example of 'Israel's' war propaganda

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Social media users have reported unsettling advertisements that signal a new phase. Among these ads, one cartoon stands out, which opens with nursery music and whimsical visuals.

The cartoon ad immediately captures viewers' attention with a seemingly innocent scene, featuring blue, pink, and yellow unicorns playfully leaping around. The backdrop is adorned with rainbows, fluffy clouds, and smiley stars. The overall aesthetic exudes an air of childlike innocence and happiness, which seems far removed from the grim reality of the Israeli war machine.

However, the ad takes a dark turn as the cheerful imagery suddenly transitions into a jarring and disturbing message. The abrupt shift in tone is designed to shock and provoke an emotional response. Users who have encountered the ad report feelings of discomfort and unease as they realize the sinister intent behind the seemingly harmless visuals.

“40 infants were murdered in Israel” quickly appears on the screen, “by the HAMAS terrorists (ISIS). Just as you would do everything for your child. We will do everything to protect ours.”

“Now hug your baby and stand with us,” reappears as the nursery music resumes, followed by an image of the Israeli emblem.

British rapper and activist Lowkey expressed on X through a recorded video that "Israel" is spending money to have advertisements appear before videos targeted at children on YouTube.

The particular claim that 40 babies were killed in Operation Al-Aqsa flood on Saturday has been debunked as being part of the Israeli misinformation campaign.

Anadolu Agency reported that Israeli authorities have lately refuted claims of "Hamas beheading babies," which were initially propagated through unverified information by Israeli i24 TV correspondent Nicole Zedeck

Zedeck, attached to an Israeli Security Forces unit in "Kfar Azza", alleged that her unit's commander had informed her of the discovery of 40 deceased babies, some of whom had been "beheaded by terrorists." However, she later contradicted herself, stating that "soldiers told me they believe 40 babies/children were killed." There was no evidence presented for these claims, and Zedeck's source, Israeli soldiers, had not actually witnessed the alleged events.

Western media outlets such as CNN, Fox News, and Business Insider rushed to amplify these baseless claims, inaccurately attributing them to Hamas and framing them as factual events. US President Joe Biden cited these unverified reports during a White House address, condemning them as "sheer evil" while failing to acknowledge Israeli atrocities against Palestinian civilians.

In the same context, Oren Oziv, a journalist based in "Israel" and part of the group of journalists who were admitted into a media tour of the "Kfar Azza" settlement, denied reports of "Hamas beheading children."

Furthermore, Hamas issued a statement in this regard, denying "the fabricated media narratives [circulating about the faction], the latest of which is the allegation that the resistance killed and beheaded children."

"The baseless allegations promoted by some Western media outlets unprofessionally adopt the Zionist narrative which is full of lies," they added.

AI-generated photos: Yet another example

"Israel" has shared both censored and uncensored images of the alleged casualties resulting from the operation on X.

Some foreign users suggested that these images were artificially generated by AI to mislead the public by depicting Israeli children as if they were burned alive.

American YouTuber Ben Shapiro shares a photo made with artificial intelligence to continue his lie that the Gaza resistance killed and burned 40 children. pic.twitter.com/u2OIzi0Wy0
— PALESTINE ONLINE (@OnlinePalEng) October 13, 2023

Neocon child actor @benshapiro has promoted an AI generated image he claimed showed an Israeli baby burned by Hamas militants

Did Netanyahu’s office show similarly fabricated images to Joe Biden and Tony Blinken? pic.twitter.com/Hq68JQQ6Yj
— Max Blumenthal (@MaxBlumenthal) October 13, 2023

Other social media users questioned whether the Israeli occupation's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu showed similar fabricated images to the US President Joe Biden.

Meanwhile, the appearance of such content on social media platforms has raised questions about the role of information warfare in the ongoing Israeli aggression on Gaza.

Social media companies are under increased pressure to address and remove such content, which manipulates public perception during times when many warn that "Israel" is committing genocide in Gaza. As the Israeli propaganda continues, users remain vigilant for further attempts to exploit digital spaces for political or ideological agendas.

Israeli Ads target everyone including children and teenagers

Social media users have brought attention to pro-"Israel" advertisements on YouTube. One of these ads, titled "Hamas Declares War Against Israel," combines audio clips of explosions, screams, and gunfire with a fast-paced, cinematic narration. The narrator emphasizes that it is a war and stresses that "Israel" will employ all required measures to "safeguard its citizens."

The same video can also be found on the YouTube channel of the Israeli Foreign Ministry.

“My little brother just got a youtube ad on a kids gaming video from Israel saying Israel is at war like wtf,” said one user on X.

A search of Google's Ad Transparency Center revealed that the has been running multiple ads in recent days, including the one featuring children being killed.

This is genocide

Meanwhile, the Israeli bombing of besieged Gaza continued throughout Thursday night for the sixth consecutive day since the launching of the Palestinian Resistance Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, last Saturday morning, in response to the ongoing unbearable Israeli crimes against Palestinians.

The dark-time airstrikes were one of the most violent yet, targeting entire residential neighborhoods and buildings, leaving nothing but dust, debris, and casualties behind as the number of martyrs continued to rise horrifically.

The Palestinian Health Ministry revealed on Thursday that the total number of Palestinian martyrs in the brutal Israeli aggression has surpassed 1,500 and the wounded are now over 6,600, noting that over half of the martyrs are children and women: 447 children and 248 women.

Factcheck: 'Israel' has no information on Hamas murdering babies

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US weapons delivery to Israel

US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin visits "Israel", affirming the US unwavering support for the occupation

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin arrived in occupied Palestine on Friday for a visit aimed at demonstrating unwavering support and solidarity with the occupation.

Austin's visit, his third as Pentagon chief, follows a recent visit by Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

During his visit, Secretary Austin is scheduled to hold high-level meetings with Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Security Minister Yoav Gallant. The trip aims to emphasize the United States' commitment to the Israeli occupation.

In a statement, the US Defense Department asserted that the visit underscores "the unwavering support of the US for the people of Israel and commitment to ensuring Israel has what it needs to defend itself."

Austin will also personally oversee the delivery of some of the weapons that the United States is sending to "Israel".

"We have been surging support to them. Multiple shipments have arrived in Israel of materiel they requested, and another one will arrive today and more over the coming days," a senior US defense official, en route to "Israel", stated.

The official also revealed that the United States is actively engaging with Israeli authorities on the issue of captives in Gaza, providing advice and assistance to address this critical concern.

Secretary Austin, speaking to journalists in Brussels on Thursday, highlighted that the United States had received no early warnings or indications of the Palestinian Resistance's operation. He further stated that there were no conditions placed on how the IOF could employ the weapons provided by the United States, citing his trust in the "Israeli leadership's professionalism."

Israeli media reported today, Friday, that Operation Al-Aqsa Flood has neutralized 258 soldiers in the IOF so far.

Israeli expert in Palestinian affairs, Alon Avitar, expressed concern over the IOF's inability to achieve significant results despite the intensive strikes on Gaza.

"What we see does not significantly impact Hamas' military capabilities. Hamas leaders, rocket launchers, and weapons production facilities remain untouched, and not every structure brought down in Gaza is a military target," Avitar said.

Furthermore, Channel 12's military correspondent, Nir Dvori, noted that the IOF still doesn't know the location of the rocket attacks until after they have been launched.

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Sadr supporters million-man protests

Tens of thousands of supporters of Iraq’s influential Shiite figure Muqtada al-Sadr gathered at Baghdad’s Tahrir Square for “million-man” protests on Friday, in a mass display of solidarity with the Palestinian people in the wake of the recent escalation of violence in Gaza

The rally came in response to Sadr’s call for “civil protests" on Monday, labeling it an "obligation" for all Iraqis and supporters of the Palestinian cause to demonstrate.

Protesters from across Iraq began arriving at the famed Square since Thursday evening.

Thousands of Iraqi and Palestinian flags were raised throughout the square, in addition to large Israeli flags that were later burned in a sign of condemnation.

“Our striving brothers in Gaza led a big battle that has embarrassed the oppressors and has embarrassed Israel and America,” Ibrahim Jabiri, head of Sadr office, told Rudaw’s Halkawt Aziz, adding that their demonstration was held in response to the “great victory” of the Palestinians.

Following the Friday prayers and sermon which were held at the square, Sadr took to X (formerly Twitter) to thank his “dear protesters.”

“Million-man” protests is a signature of Sadr and his supporters, honoring a tradition of Mohammed Sadiq al-Sadr, Sadr’s late father, who united masses of Shiites in Friday prayer, as a sign of opposition to the rule of fallen Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein.

Over 2,800 people have been reported dead on both sides since Saturday, when Hamas militants launched a multi-pronged air, ground, and sea offensive and infiltrated Israeli territory on Saturday at dawn, resulting in Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s declaration the following day that the country was “embarking on a long and difficult war.”

The Israeli army has reported over 1,300 dead while Palestinian officials have placed their death toll at 1,537

In a televised address on Tuesday, Sadr called on all Arab and Muslim states, especially Saudi Arabia and Iran, to make efforts to deliver food and water to civilians in Gaza after Israel cut off supply of the basic necessities in the strip. The Shiite cleric also called on Egypt, who shares diplomatic ties with Israel, to open the crossing border with Gaza to allow the delivery of aid to civilians.

“It is not important if the heroic Palestinian resistance fighter is a Shiite or a Sunni. It is not even important if he is a Muslim for us to support him, because fighting against the Zionist enemy is a pride, honor, and dignity,” said Sadr.

https://www.rudaw.net/english/middleeast/13102023