The reports and information we receive are marked by the concern, tension and improvisation that the situation imposes on our correspondents who live in the region in conflict. The concentration of troops for the ground invasion of Gaza has unprecedented dimensions, the exchange of fire increases in Israel, Palestine, Lebanon and Syria. Some imperialist countries continue their persecution of demonstrations in support of Palestine. International repercussions continue to grow.
Monday, October 16
Starting at nine in the morning, for five hours, a supposed ceasefire came into effect to allow civilians to leave Gaza and humanitarian aid to enter through the Rafah crossing, on the border with Egypt. We doubt that it will be complied…
We found out from the registrations in the civil registry, that there are already 50 families that have no living members left, all of them have been murdered.
Our fears of non-compliance with the ceasefire have been confirmed. The Israeli army has bombed the roads leading to the Rafah crossing and the border crossing itself, for which Egypt accuses them of “preventing humanitarian deliveries.” It is evident that the ceasefire that never began has ended. Sirens are sounding in the settlements surrounding Gaza, warning of ships bombing the coast.
The occupation army recognizes the capture of 199 of its soldiers and officers, whose families are being informed. Its casualties amount to 1,855 dead. Avigdor Lieberman, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Defense, warned: “We will suffer heavy losses if we enter Gaza by land.” Revealing the loss of Israel’s “aura of untouchability” and the fear of its citizens, Prime Minister Netanyahu assured that he will investigate the intelligence failures: “There are many questions surrounding the disaster that befell us ten days ago. We will investigate every aspect thoroughly.”
Heavy missile bombardments have been reported from Gaza towards Tel Aviv and settlements in occupied central Palestine. Five violent explosions shook the occupied city of Jerusalem. The Knesset session has been evacuated in response to bomb sirens. Sirens also sounded at Kirya’s Defense Ministry headquarters in Tel Aviv, prompting Netanyahu, the US secretary of state and the Israeli war cabinet to suspend their meeting and enter bomb shelters.
Following clashes with Hezbollah and the concern that they may openly join the conflict in support of Hamas, Israel announced an evacuation plan for settlers and residents in 28 communities located up to two kilometers from the Lebanese border. Explosions were heard in Upper Galilee, near the Lebanese border.
More shelling was heard in southern Lebanon. Preparations to invade Gaza are advancing. At the moment, there are explosions around Damascus, the capital of Syria, from which anti-aircraft missiles are being fired. Zionists fire white phosphorus shells at the city of Al-Dahira, southern Lebanon. In Alma al-Shaab there are numerous cases of asphyxiation due to phosphorus attacks.
There are international repercussions of all kinds. Joe Biden’s administration does not rule out a possible trip to Israel. Vladimir Putin warned that the conflict between Israel and Hamas is turning into a regional war, omitting any condemnation and responsibility of the genocidal Zionists. He is in line with China’s authorities who say: “The United Nations Security Council must take action and major powers must play an active role.”
French Interior Minister Geráld Darmanin confirmed 102 arrests for “anti-Semitism” or “advocacy of terrorism” since the Hamas attacks and his government’s ban on demonstrations. Spanish president Pedro Sánchez states that reconciliation is the “only way out.”
Turkish President Erdogan asked the Iranian president to avoid taking steps that increase existing tension. Canada’s Foreign Minister advised: “Our citizens in Lebanon should consider leaving.” The Colombian government challenged the Israeli ambassador to “leave” because of his “nonsense.”
Civil Defense in Gaza reported that there are more than a thousand people missing under the rubble. The Ministry of the Interior declared a “humanitarian and environmental catastrophe” due to the bodies buried under the rubble. The Zionists said that they restored the water supply but other information we receive refutes this. Gaza Civil Defense and Ministry of Health teams were unable to save many victims from under the rubble due to severe equipment shortages and continued Israeli bombing of residential areas.
The result of the ongoing aggression: 2,808 dead in Gaza, 64% of whom were children and women; 10,850 injured, 10,500 homes completely demolished; 13 dead, more than 20 injured and two missing from the Palestinian journalistic organization.
The concentration of forces preparing for the ground incursion into Gaza takes on dimensions never seen before. The UN announced the beginning of investigations into war crimes by Hamas and Israel. The Israeli army is now conducting training in preparation to enter Gaza.