With destruction mounting and the situation rapidly evolving in the Israel-Hamas war, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his political rival Benny Gantz formed a wartime cabinet on Wednesday, October 11, to oversee the offensive in Gaza.
According to the Associated Press, the war, which has already entered its sixth day, has resulted in a death toll of 2,300, with several thousand people injured and missing.
Hamas attack preparations
According to India Today TV, an undated video released by Hamas has revealed how the attack preparations were conducted at a training camp near the Gaza-Israel border well in advance.
Operation Ajay
To help the Indians stranded in Israel, the Government of India, on Wednesday announced the launch of Operation Ajay to bring them back home.
According toIndia Today TV, there are around 18,000 Indians in Israel.
Unity government in Israel
Israeli opposition politician Benny Gantz has announced that he has reached an agreement to join a unity government with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during this wartime situation.
Gantz has released a joint statement with Netanyahu, confirming their intent to establish a five-member "war-management" Cabinet. The two are already joined by the current Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant in the cabinet.
The move toward unity came as the Israeli military contemplates a possible ground offensive in Gaza.
Air strikes in Gaza
Persistent Israeli air strikes in Gaza have caused extensive damage and led to mass evacuations, with hundreds of thousands seeking shelter, primarily in UN schools.
The death toll in Gaza has risen to 1,200, with thousands injured.
The situation in Gaza remains dire as power outages persist due to fuel shortages, and hospitals struggle with dwindling supplies.
Gaza's only power plant was shut on Wednesday.
Efforts and negotiations to establish humanitarian corridors into Gaza are underway, but logistical challenges and Israel's blockade persist.
Diplomacy
Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden warned Iran against getting involved in the conflict, expressing concerns about a wider regional escalation.
Biden has dispatched Secretary of State Antony Blinken to West Asia to reinforce US support for Israel and seek the release of more than dozens of captives.
Biden referred to the attack as the "deadliest day" for the Jewish community since the Holocaust.
He added that the Hamas terrorist assault has resurfaced painful recollections of countless centuries endured by Jewish people.
Potential ground offensive
Israel is reportedly preparing for a ground offensive in Gaza, which could result in a surge of casualties on both sides.
No aerial invasion from Lebanon
Israeli Home Front Command, late on Wednesday (October 11) denied a reported aerial invasion from Lebanon, citing a malfunction in the rocket alert system.
Earlier, yesterday (October 11), Israel had asked people in the northern cities of Beit Shean, Safed and Tiberias to seek shelter, after reports of a "hostile aircraft" crossing its border with Lebanon had emerged.
Later, the Home Front Command ruled out the suspected invasion and asked the civilians in the northern cities to follow any future instructions.