Prime minister says ‘long and difficult war’ lies ahead as Israeli forces work to free hostages they say are being held after unprecedented Hamas attacks
Homes of senior Hamas officials attacked
Kan, the Israeli public broadcaster, is reporting that the Israeli air force has attacked the homes of senior Hamas officials in the Gaza Strip.
It has named them as Yahya Sanwar, Nizar Awadallah, Fathi Hamad, Itsam al-Dealis, Kamal Abu Awan and Abu Mu’az Saraj.
Here are those images of the Brandenbrug Gate and Empire State building showing the colours of the Israeli flag.
Tonight from 10-11PM the Empire State Building will shine in the colors of the Israeli flag pic.twitter.com/1yU4HDbSVA— Empire State Building (@EmpireStateBldg) October 7, 2023
In contrast to Germany’s Brandenburg Gate, and the Empire State building in the US, which were lit up in the colours of the Israeli flag, the Zat al-Imad towers in Tripoli, Libya, have shown the Palestinian colours.
Supporters in Istanbul, Turkey, also held a rally to voice their backing for the Palestinian cause.
A fresh wrap of the latest developments is live here. Benjamin Netanyahu has said Israel is embarking on a “long and difficult war” after the surprise attack by Hamas, with gunbattles continuing into the night, and hostages standoffs in two towns.
In a televised address on Saturday night, Netanyahu, who earlier declared Israel to be at war, said the military would use all of its strength to destroy Hamas’ capabilities and “take revenge for this black day”. But he warned, “This war will take time. It will be difficult.”
The Federal Aviation Administration has urged US airlines and pilots to use caution when flying in Israeli airspace after Saturday’s surprise attack by Hamas militants, Reuters is reporting.
The US air regulator’s warning late on Saturday mirrors an alert issued by the Israeli government, and applies to all altitudes.
The Hamas offensive is on the front pages of newspapers across the world, with powerful and distressing images accompany the reports. Reporter Jordyn Beazley has compiled a selection of print front pages here.
Welcome to day two of our coverage of Israel’s military response to an unprecedented sea, air and ground offensive by Hamas that has opened a frightening new chapter in the decades-old conflict.
