It's morning in Israel and Gaza. Catch up on the latest developments here
From CNN staff
The Israel Defense Forces will continue ground raids into Gaza in the coming days to prepare for the next stages of the war against Hamas, spokesperson Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said Thursday.
He said the IDF continues its strikes against Gaza from air and sea, and is focusing on killing senior Hamas commanders and destroying Hamas infrastructure.
Gallant's comments echoed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's address on Wednesday, during which he said Israel is "raining down hellfire on Hamas" and "preparing for a ground incursion."
Here's what else you need to know:
Hostage situation: The families of hostages being held by Hamas warned the Israeli government that their "patience has run out," an urged the authorities to act immediately, according to a statement released Thursday. And a Hamas delegation held talks focused on the release of hostages in Moscow with a senior Russian foreign ministry official, according to Russian state media outlet TASS and a Hamas statement.
Latest on humanitarian aid: The main United Nations agency aiding Palestinians said Thursday that its operations are being “paralyzed” in Gaza due to the lack of fuel, as Israel continues to insist supplies exist but are controlled by Hamas. The Palestine Red Crescent Society said 12 aid trucks entered Gaza through the Rafah border crossing with Egypt Thursday, carrying water, food, medicine and medical supplies — but no fuel. And France is chartering a special flight to transport 54 tons of emergency humanitarian aid for Palestinians in Gaza, according to the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Stopping short of calls for ceasefire: The leaders of the 27 European Union member states met in Brussels Thursday, where they expressed concerns about the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza and called for aid to reach those in need via "humanitarian corridors and pauses for humanitarian needs." The call for humanitarian "pauses" stops short of calling for a ceasefire, which several European leaders have previously ruled out. A divided UN has also failed to endorse a ceasefire in Gaza. Former Colombian president and 2016 Nobel Peace Prize winner Juan Manuel Santos lamented the lack of ceasefire Thursday, telling CNN's Isa Soares that Israel should not respond to Hamas’ “crime” on October 7 with “another crime.”
On the ground developments: Israeli forces claim to have killed the deputy head of the Hamas intelligence directorate, one of the officials they hold partially responsible for planning the October 7 attacks, according to a joint statement from the Israel Defense Forces and the Israeli Security Agency, or Shin Bet. Separately, roughly 900 US troops have deployed or are deploying to the Middle East to bolster US force protection in the region, Pentagon spokesman Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder said Thursday.
21 min ago
EU leaders call for "pauses" in Israel-Hamas conflict to allow humanitarian aid to reach Gaza
From CNN’s James Frater in Tel Aviv
Members of the European Council speak as they attend the European Union leaders summit, in Brussels, Belgium October 26. Yves Herman/Reuters
European Union leaders meeting in Brussels on Thursday expressed their concerns about the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza and called for "aid to reach those in need through all necessary measures."
Those measures include "humanitarian corridors and pauses for humanitarian needs," the leaders said.
In their communique on the Middle East, which sets out the position of the EU, leaders also called for “continued, rapid, safe and unhindered humanitarian access” to Gaza.
The call for humanitarian "pauses" stops short of calling for a ceasefire, which several European leaders have previously ruled out.
The 27 heads of state and government agreed the EU “will work closely with partners in the region to protect civilians, provide assistance and facilitate access to food, water, medical care, fuel and shelter.”
The European leaders also said the EU will ensure “that such assistance is not abused by terrorist organizations.”
EU leaders reiterated their call “on Hamas to immediately release all hostages without any precondition” and their condemnation in the “strongest possible terms of Hamas for its brutal and indiscriminate terrorist attacks across Israel.” Leaders also reiterated “the importance of ensuring the protection of all civilians at all times in line with international humanitarian law,” adding that the EU “deplores all loss of civilian life.” The EU also said the body is “ready to contribute to reviving a political process on the basis of the two-state solution, including through the Peace Day Effort,” referring to an ongoing diplomatic effort by the EU, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan and Arab League.
2 hr 51 min ago
IDF spokesperson vows more ground raids into Gaza over coming days
From Tamar Michaelis and Jorge Engels
The Israel Defense Forces will continue ground raids into Gaza in the coming days to prepare for the next stages in Israel’s war against Hamas, IDF spokesperson Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said Thursday in a televised news conference.
The purpose of Israel's ground operations is to kill Hamas militants, lay the foundations for an all-out invasion and neutralize explosive devices and reconnaissance posts, according to Hagari.
Hagari’s comments come after the IDF said it carried out a "targeted raid" overnight in northern Gaza using tanks.
Hagari also said the IDF continues its strikes against Gaza from air and sea, and is focusing on killing senior Hamas commanders and destroying Hamas infrastructure.
When asked about US involvement in the Israeli forces' decision-making related to ground operations, Hagari said, "We’re constantly in touch with the US. The IDF chief of the General Staff speaks almost on a daily basis with the commander of the US Centcom."
"It is true that US advisers arrived. … They have a lot of experience. We’re listening, it’s good to learn and to listen. But our war is right in our borders, not thousands of miles away," Hagari added. "We also know Gaza very well. Eventually, this is Israel’s decision. And Israel understands that it needs to fulfill the aims of the war."
On Gaza's dwindling fuel supplies: Hagari also reiterated that Israel would not allow fuel into Gaza for now, saying that Hamas’ arrays are “struggling to function” without fuel and blaming Hamas for stealing fuel from a facility belonging to the main United Nations agency aiding Palestinians, UNRWA.
Israel has also disputed that there are fuel shortages in Gaza. Responding to a post from UNRWA about low supplies, the IDF on Tuesday posted an aerial photo of what it said were fuel tanks in Gaza, claiming they held more than 500,000 liters of fuel. CNN is unable to verify the IDF claim.
"The facility that was posted (on Tuesday) is located in Rafah and belongs to UNRWA. … We supervise it aerially and together with UNRWA. Again, we’re not striking UNRWA. On the contrary, we’re making an effort along with the international community to ensure that south of Wadi Gaza, there will be conditions that allow the civilian population to access water, food and drugs," he said.
UNRWA said Thursday that its operations are being "paralyzed" in Gaza due to the lack of fuel.
CNN cannot independently verify the amount of fuel in Gaza.
15 min ago
Israel is preparing for next phases in war against Hamas, defense minister says
From CNN's Tamar Michaelis and Lauren Kent
Yoav Gallant speaks during a press conference in Tel Aviv, Israel on October 25. Elad Malka/Anadolu/Getty Images
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said during a news briefing on Thursday that Israel is preparing for the "next stages" in its war against Hamas, adding "there will be more."
“The maneuvering will begin when the conditions are right. These conditions are complex because so is the campaign. The troops are ready," Gallant said in the briefing in Tel Aviv.
Gallant's comments echoed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's address on Wednesday, during which he said Israel is "raining down hellfire on Hamas" and "preparing for a ground incursion."
Gallant reiterated the effectiveness of "lethal" Israeli strikes on Gaza and said that within 24 hours of the deadly Hamas attacks, Israeli forces shifted to the offensive with airstrikes.
"Whatever happens in Israel’s next 75 years, will highly depend on the achievement that we’ll gain in that fight. That’s why I tell you — we have no other choice, and we’ll win because there’s no other option," he said.
Gallant said Israeli forces and security authorities will "do everything needed" to bring back hostages taken by Hamas.
"As a father, grandfather and son to Holocaust survivors, I understand that very high price that the fallen paid. I’m willing, along with all security establishment, to do everything needed to bring hostages back to their families," Gallant said.
In response to a question about whether Qatar is a legitimate mediator in the conflict, Gallant said, "The way I see it, every channel is a possible channel. The goal is the important thing." His comment comes after Israel's foreign minister accused Qatar of financing Hamas.
13 min ago
No fuel in latest aid convoy to Gaza, Palestine Red Crescent Society says
From CNN’s Ruba Alhenawi
The entrance of the Rafah border crossing with Egypt in the southern Gaza Strip on August 27. Said Khatib/AFP/Getty Images
The Palestine Red Crescent Society said 12 aid trucks entered Gaza through the Rafah border crossing with Egypt Thursday, carrying water, food, medicine and medical supplies — but no fuel.
The organization said it has received 74 trucks since humanitarian aid transfers into the Gaza Strip resumed several days ago.
United Nations officials emphasized that hundreds of aid trucks entered Gaza daily before the deadly October 7 Hamas attacks, meaning basic supplies are trickling into the enclave at a much slower pace than needed.
Israel continues to block deliveries of fuel altogether, saying that Hamas would only divert it for military use.
3 hr 27 min ago
Senior Hamas official killed in airstrike, Israel says
From CNN's Adi Koplewitz and Jorge Engels
Israeli forces have killed the deputy head of Hamas' intelligence directorate, one of the officials they say is partially responsible for planning the October 7 attacks, according to a joint statement from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the Israeli Security Agency (ISA), or Shin Bet.
“Based on precise IDF and ISA intelligence, IDF fighter jets struck the Deputy Head of the Hamas’ Intelligence Directorate, Shadi Barud,” according to the joint statement released Thursday.
The IDF and ISA also released footage they claim is of the strikes that killed Barud, showing at least two buildings in Gaza hit with strikes and appearing to collapse.
The Israeli statement said Barud and Yahya Sinwar planned the October 7 attacks that killed more than 1,400 people and saw more than 200 others taken hostage.
“Barud had previously served as Hamas' battalion commander in Khan Yunis and was responsible for planning numerous terror attacks against Israeli civilians,” the statement said.
According to the statement, Barud went on to hold several positions in Hamas’ military intelligence and was in charge of the militant group's intelligence relations.
Sinwar was a former head of the Al Qassam Brigades, Hamas' militant wing; he’s now the head of Hamas in Gaza. He focused efforts on building relationships with foreign powers — notably Egypt and Iran.
Hamas has not commented on the statement.
Hamas rocket commander reportedly killed: The Israeli military also said Thursday that intelligence reports suggest airstrikes have killed a Hamas rocket commander, Hassan Al-Abdullah, who the army says commanded rocket units in the Khan Younis area of Gaza.
Shin Bet told CNN it believes it has killed “scores” of senior figures in Hamas’s military structure since it began strikes on Gaza more than two and a half weeks ago.
CNN's Sam Kiley and Amir Tal contributed reporting to this post.
Israel's military on Thursday vowed to carry out further ground raids in Gaza to prepare for the next stages of the war against Hamas in response to the militant group's deadly October 7 attacks.
Pressure is building on the international community to persuade Israel to allow desperately needed aid into Gaza, where the humanitarian crisis is deepening as Israeli forces conduct daily airstrikes. The UN and several countries in the region have called for an immediate ceasefire, while others, including the EU, advocate for a "humanitarian pause" in fighting.
The main UN agency aiding Palestinians said its operations are being "paralyzed" in the coastal enclave due to the lack of fuel, as Israel maintains its blockade and insists supplies exist but are controlled by Hamas.
Meanwhile, the families of hostages being held by Hamas in Gaza warned the Israeli government their "patience has run out," and urged authorities to act immediately.
The Israel Defense Forces will continue ground raids into Gaza in the coming days to prepare for the next stages of the war against Hamas, spokesperson Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said Thursday.
He said the IDF continues its strikes against Gaza from air and sea, and is focusing on killing senior Hamas commanders and destroying Hamas infrastructure.
Gallant's comments echoed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's address on Wednesday, during which he said Israel is "raining down hellfire on Hamas" and "preparing for a ground incursion."
Here's what else you need to know:
Hostage situation: The families of hostages being held by Hamas warned the Israeli government that their "patience has run out," an urged the authorities to act immediately, according to a statement released Thursday. And a Hamas delegation held talks focused on the release of hostages in Moscow with a senior Russian foreign ministry official, according to Russian state media outlet TASS and a Hamas statement.
Latest on humanitarian aid: The main United Nations agency aiding Palestinians said Thursday that its operations are being “paralyzed” in Gaza due to the lack of fuel, as Israel continues to insist supplies exist but are controlled by Hamas. The Palestine Red Crescent Society said 12 aid trucks entered Gaza through the Rafah border crossing with Egypt Thursday, carrying water, food, medicine and medical supplies — but no fuel. And France is chartering a special flight to transport 54 tons of emergency humanitarian aid for Palestinians in Gaza, according to the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Stopping short of calls for ceasefire: The leaders of the 27 European Union member states met in Brussels Thursday, where they expressed concerns about the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza and called for aid to reach those in need via "humanitarian corridors and pauses for humanitarian needs." The call for humanitarian "pauses" stops short of calling for a ceasefire, which several European leaders have previously ruled out. A divided UN has also failed to endorse a ceasefire in Gaza. Former Colombian president and 2016 Nobel Peace Prize winner Juan Manuel Santos lamented the lack of ceasefire Thursday, telling CNN's Isa Soares that Israel should not respond to Hamas’ “crime” on October 7 with “another crime.”
On the ground developments: Israeli forces claim to have killed the deputy head of the Hamas intelligence directorate, one of the officials they hold partially responsible for planning the October 7 attacks, according to a joint statement from the Israel Defense Forces and the Israeli Security Agency, or Shin Bet. Separately, roughly 900 US troops have deployed or are deploying to the Middle East to bolster US force protection in the region, Pentagon spokesman Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder said Thursday.
Members of the European Council speak as they attend the European Union leaders summit, in Brussels, Belgium October 26. Yves Herman/Reuters
European Union leaders meeting in Brussels on Thursday expressed their concerns about the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza and called for "aid to reach those in need through all necessary measures."
Those measures include "humanitarian corridors and pauses for humanitarian needs," the leaders said.
In their communique on the Middle East, which sets out the position of the EU, leaders also called for “continued, rapid, safe and unhindered humanitarian access” to Gaza.
The call for humanitarian "pauses" stops short of calling for a ceasefire, which several European leaders have previously ruled out.
The 27 heads of state and government agreed the EU “will work closely with partners in the region to protect civilians, provide assistance and facilitate access to food, water, medical care, fuel and shelter.”
The European leaders also said the EU will ensure “that such assistance is not abused by terrorist organizations.”
EU leaders reiterated their call “on Hamas to immediately release all hostages without any precondition” and their condemnation in the “strongest possible terms of Hamas for its brutal and indiscriminate terrorist attacks across Israel.” Leaders also reiterated “the importance of ensuring the protection of all civilians at all times in line with international humanitarian law,” adding that the EU “deplores all loss of civilian life.” The EU also said the body is “ready to contribute to reviving a political process on the basis of the two-state solution, including through the Peace Day Effort,” referring to an ongoing diplomatic effort by the EU, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan and Arab League.
The Israel Defense Forces will continue ground raids into Gaza in the coming days to prepare for the next stages in Israel’s war against Hamas, IDF spokesperson Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said Thursday in a televised news conference.
The purpose of Israel's ground operations is to kill Hamas militants, lay the foundations for an all-out invasion and neutralize explosive devices and reconnaissance posts, according to Hagari.
Hagari’s comments come after the IDF said it carried out a "targeted raid" overnight in northern Gaza using tanks.
Hagari also said the IDF continues its strikes against Gaza from air and sea, and is focusing on killing senior Hamas commanders and destroying Hamas infrastructure.
When asked about US involvement in the Israeli forces' decision-making related to ground operations, Hagari said, "We’re constantly in touch with the US. The IDF chief of the General Staff speaks almost on a daily basis with the commander of the US Centcom."
"It is true that US advisers arrived. … They have a lot of experience. We’re listening, it’s good to learn and to listen. But our war is right in our borders, not thousands of miles away," Hagari added. "We also know Gaza very well. Eventually, this is Israel’s decision. And Israel understands that it needs to fulfill the aims of the war."
On Gaza's dwindling fuel supplies: Hagari also reiterated that Israel would not allow fuel into Gaza for now, saying that Hamas’ arrays are “struggling to function” without fuel and blaming Hamas for stealing fuel from a facility belonging to the main United Nations agency aiding Palestinians, UNRWA.
Israel has also disputed that there are fuel shortages in Gaza. Responding to a post from UNRWA about low supplies, the IDF on Tuesday posted an aerial photo of what it said were fuel tanks in Gaza, claiming they held more than 500,000 liters of fuel. CNN is unable to verify the IDF claim.
"The facility that was posted (on Tuesday) is located in Rafah and belongs to UNRWA. … We supervise it aerially and together with UNRWA. Again, we’re not striking UNRWA. On the contrary, we’re making an effort along with the international community to ensure that south of Wadi Gaza, there will be conditions that allow the civilian population to access water, food and drugs," he said.
UNRWA said Thursday that its operations are being "paralyzed" in Gaza due to the lack of fuel.
CNN cannot independently verify the amount of fuel in Gaza.
Yoav Gallant speaks during a press conference in Tel Aviv, Israel on October 25. Elad Malka/Anadolu/Getty Images
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said during a news briefing on Thursday that Israel is preparing for the "next stages" in its war against Hamas, adding "there will be more."
“The maneuvering will begin when the conditions are right. These conditions are complex because so is the campaign. The troops are ready," Gallant said in the briefing in Tel Aviv.
Gallant's comments echoed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's address on Wednesday, during which he said Israel is "raining down hellfire on Hamas" and "preparing for a ground incursion."
Gallant reiterated the effectiveness of "lethal" Israeli strikes on Gaza and said that within 24 hours of the deadly Hamas attacks, Israeli forces shifted to the offensive with airstrikes.
"Whatever happens in Israel’s next 75 years, will highly depend on the achievement that we’ll gain in that fight. That’s why I tell you — we have no other choice, and we’ll win because there’s no other option," he said.
Gallant said Israeli forces and security authorities will "do everything needed" to bring back hostages taken by Hamas.
"As a father, grandfather and son to Holocaust survivors, I understand that very high price that the fallen paid. I’m willing, along with all security establishment, to do everything needed to bring hostages back to their families," Gallant said.
In response to a question about whether Qatar is a legitimate mediator in the conflict, Gallant said, "The way I see it, every channel is a possible channel. The goal is the important thing." His comment comes after Israel's foreign minister accused Qatar of financing Hamas.
The entrance of the Rafah border crossing with Egypt in the southern Gaza Strip on August 27. Said Khatib/AFP/Getty Images
The Palestine Red Crescent Society said 12 aid trucks entered Gaza through the Rafah border crossing with Egypt Thursday, carrying water, food, medicine and medical supplies — but no fuel.
The organization said it has received 74 trucks since humanitarian aid transfers into the Gaza Strip resumed several days ago.
United Nations officials emphasized that hundreds of aid trucks entered Gaza daily before the deadly October 7 Hamas attacks, meaning basic supplies are trickling into the enclave at a much slower pace than needed.
Israel continues to block deliveries of fuel altogether, saying that Hamas would only divert it for military use.
Israeli forces have killed the deputy head of Hamas' intelligence directorate, one of the officials they say is partially responsible for planning the October 7 attacks, according to a joint statement from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the Israeli Security Agency (ISA), or Shin Bet.
“Based on precise IDF and ISA intelligence, IDF fighter jets struck the Deputy Head of the Hamas’ Intelligence Directorate, Shadi Barud,” according to the joint statement released Thursday.
The IDF and ISA also released footage they claim is of the strikes that killed Barud, showing at least two buildings in Gaza hit with strikes and appearing to collapse.
The Israeli statement said Barud and Yahya Sinwar planned the October 7 attacks that killed more than 1,400 people and saw more than 200 others taken hostage.
“Barud had previously served as Hamas' battalion commander in Khan Yunis and was responsible for planning numerous terror attacks against Israeli civilians,” the statement said.
According to the statement, Barud went on to hold several positions in Hamas’ military intelligence and was in charge of the militant group's intelligence relations.
Sinwar was a former head of the Al Qassam Brigades, Hamas' militant wing; he’s now the head of Hamas in Gaza. He focused efforts on building relationships with foreign powers — notably Egypt and Iran.
Hamas has not commented on the statement.
Hamas rocket commander reportedly killed: The Israeli military also said Thursday that intelligence reports suggest airstrikes have killed a Hamas rocket commander, Hassan Al-Abdullah, who the army says commanded rocket units in the Khan Younis area of Gaza.
Shin Bet told CNN it believes it has killed “scores” of senior figures in Hamas’s military structure since it began strikes on Gaza more than two and a half weeks ago.
CNN's Sam Kiley and Amir Tal contributed reporting to this post.
