Australian supporters of Palestine rallied in Sydney and Melbourne ahead of the first anniversary of the Hamas attacks in Israel on October 7. Protests were planned in cities across Australia, with a warning against displaying symbols linked to designated terrorist groups. Police initially tried to block the rally in Sydney but an agreement was reached for it to proceed with a modified route.
UN Secretary General António Guterres released a video message condemning the attacks, demanding the release of hostages held by Hamas, and calling for an end to the violence. The US State Department evacuated 145 citizens from Lebanon amidst escalating tensions in the region.
The death toll at a Gaza mosque strike rose to 18, with dozens injured. Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon and continued attacks in Gaza were reported. Israel vowed to retaliate against Iran for a missile attack and tensions between the two countries escalated. French President Macron’s call for an arms embargo on Israel was criticized by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Ireland’s president condemned Israel’s demand for UN peacekeepers in southern Lebanon to relocate.
Air strikes intensified in Beirut, with explosions near the airport where foreign evacuees were departing. Israel targeted Gaza and the West Bank, with a mosque hit in Gaza resulting in fatalities. The situation remains volatile, with calls for peace and an end to the conflict.
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Photo credit www.theguardian.com
