The Times of Israel is liveblogging Wednesday’s events as they unfold.
Gaza flotilla says unlit vessels approached its boats, signaling interception potentially close
The international flotilla trying to deliver aid to Gaza says several of its boats were approached by unidentified vessels, some navigating without lights.
The Global Sumud Flotilla says in a post on Telegram that the vessels have departed, and participants implemented security protocols in anticipation of a possible interception.
Gaza flotilla says drone activity up as it reaches point where previous boats were seized
The international flotilla trying to deliver aid to Gaza says drone activity is increasing over the flotilla as it nears the destination.
“We have now entered the high-risk zone, the area where previous flotillas have been attacked and/or intercepted,” the Global Sumud Flotilla says in a post on Telegram.
Yemen’s Houthis claim responsibility for Monday’s attack on Dutch-flagged ship
Yemen’s Houthis claim responsibility for an attack on the Dutch-flagged general cargo ship Minervagracht.
In a statement, the Houthis’ military spokesperson says Monday’s attack, which took place some distance from the Red Sea, where most of its strikes have occurred, was carried out by a cruise missile.
“The operation resulted in a direct hit on the ship, which caught fire and is now at risk of sinking,” the rebels claim.
They contend that the operation is “in response to the crimes of genocide and starvation perpetrated by the Zionist enemy against our people in the Gaza Strip, and to affirm the continued ban on Israeli maritime traffic in the Red and Arabian Seas.”
However, the US Navy-overseen Joint Maritime Information Center has said the Minervagracht had “no Israeli affiliations.”
The strike injured two sailors and forced a helicopter evacuation of the ship’s 19 crew members, according to the EU maritime mission Aspides and the vessel’s operator.
Hostages’ names read out as thousands attend final pre-Yom Kippur Slichot service at Western Wall
A day before Yom Kippur eve, thousands gather at the Western Wall for the last night of solemn Slichot prayers before the Jewish Day of Atonement.
In attendance are families of hostages held in Gaza.
Einav Zangauker, mother of hostage Mtan Zangauker, puts a note in the wall asking God for the return of all the captives and the safe return of all soldiers fighting in the Strip.
Western Wall Rabbi Shmuel Rabinovitch reads out the names of all the 48 remaining hostages during the service, in which observant Jews traditionally ask God for forgiveness for their sins during the past year.
The event is being livestreamed.