Al Mayadeen – October 8, 2024

By day 368 of Israeli genocide in Gaza: 41,965 killed, 97,590 injured

The Israeli occupation forces massacres in the Strip continue as the death toll nears 42,000.

On the 368th day of Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip, the Israeli occupation committed eight massacres against families in the Gaza Strip, of which 56 martyrs and 278 injuries arrived at hospitals in 24 hours.

Since October 7, 2023, the death toll from the Israeli aggression has risen to 41,965 martyrs and 97,590 injuries.

Several victims are still under the rubble and on the roads, and ambulance and civil defense crews cannot reach them.

Massacres in al-Bureij, Nuseirat, and Rafah

Israeli occupation forces persist in perpetrating massacres in the Gaza Strip, compounded by an air, sea, and land blockade that deepens the suffering of its residents.

The occupation committed three separate massacres in various locations within the Strip, leading to numerous martyrs and injuries.

The death toll from the Israeli occupation's bombardment of the Nuseirat and al-Bureij camps in central Gaza has risen to 27.

Al Mayadeen's correspondent in Gaza reported that searches for missing persons and martyrs are ongoing in the building targeted by the occupation in Block 3 of al-Bureij camp, which shelters dozens of displaced individuals.

Additionally, in Khirbet al-Adas, north of Rafah city in the southern Gaza Strip, Israeli shelling of a mosque resulted in the death of a woman and injuries to several others.

Our correspondent also reported heavy gunfire from Israeli helicopters directed at the homes of residents in the Beit Lahia area in northern Gaza, targeting Jabalia camp, Beit Lahia, and anyone moving in the northern region.

He added that the occupation forces dropped leaflets for the third time over Beit Lahia and its surrounding area, urging the people of Gaza to move toward the southern part of the Strip.

Hospitals risk going out of service

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health in Gaza issued a final appeal before hospitals in the Gaza and northern governorates cease operations due to a lack of fuel.

They called on all relevant international and humanitarian organizations to urgently intervene to ensure the delivery of the necessary fuel to power generators in healthcare facilities.

https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/by-day-368-of-israeli-genocide-in-gaza--41-965-killed--97-59

Al Mayadeen – October 8, 2024

Hezbollah launches largest rocket attack on Haifa, Krayot area

Responding to the brutal Israeli aggression on Lebanon, Hezbollah fighters fire 105 rockets at Israeli settlements and the city of Haifa in 30 minutes.

The Islamic Resistance in Lebanon - Hezbollah, launched the largest barrage of rockets at the occupied city of Haifa since the start of battles, Israeli media outlets reported on Tuesday afternoon. 

The attack was launched just a few minutes after noon and lasted for around 30 minutes, where at least 105 rocket artillery shells were fired at the Israeli-occupied coastal city and surrounding settlements. 

Israeli broadcaster Channel 14 noted that the attack began amid a speech from Hezbollah Deputy Secretary-General Naim Qassem.

Israeli air defenses failed to intercept several rockets among the large barrages, including multiple that hit buildings in the area.

Impacts where recorded in Kiryat Motzikin and Kiryat Yam, two city settlements which make up part of the Krayot cluster to the north of Haifa City. 

Several Israeli settlers were transferred to hospitals by Israeli emergency services as a result of the attack. 

On its part, Hezbollah said that its fighters launched large salvos of rockets at Haifa City and the Krayot, adding that the attack came in support of the Palestinian people, in defense of Lebanon, and in response to the brutal Israeli aggression targeting Lebanese territory and civilians. 

Haifa subject to stricter preventive guidelines 

Meanwhile, Yona Yahav, the Israeli Mayor of Haifa, said that a building in the Haifa Bay area was directly hit by a rocket. 

Yahav has consistently expressed his fears regarding the Israeli regime's inability to protect settlers in the city. Following barrages that targeted the area on Monday and Tuesday, the Israeli mayor reminded authorities of his council's request to clear chemical plants in Haifa, which if hit could cause a catastrophe. 

However, Yahav said that authorities did not respond to the request. He also demanded that authorities allocate further funds to protect residential areas in the city. 

Following the attack, the Israeli military command issued "stricter guidelines in the Krayo, preventing schools from operating in Kiryat Ata, Kiryat Bialik, Kiryat Yam, and Kiryat Motzkin.

https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/hezbollah-launches-largest-rocket-attack-on-haifa--krayot-ar

Al Mayadeen – October 8, 2024

No position is vacant; Hezbollah men of battlefield, ready: Deputy SG

Sheikh Naim Qassem emphasizes that victory is on the horizon, driven by the cohesion of the Resistance fighters on the frontlines and the steadfastness of the Resistance's popular base.Sheikh Naim Qassem

Hezbollah Deputy Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem confirmed on Tuesday that Hezbollah's command and control as well as the management of the party and the Resistance are “in an orderly manner and in accordance with the party's norms,” stressing that the Resistance “overcame the painful blows that it suffered.”

In a televised address commemorating the anniversary of the Lebanese Support Front for the Gaza Strip on October 8, 2023, Sheikh Qassem reassured the Resistance's popular base, stating, "We do not have any vacant positions [within Hezbollah]; all positions are filled, and Hezbollah is operating orderly and at full readiness."

He explained that the party "will proceed with the election of the Secretary-General as per the party's regulations," which will be announced at the appropriate time.

Sheikh Qassem affirmed that the merits and capabilities that the martyred leaders possessed are evident in their assistants and possible successors.

He also stressed that "the administration is cohesive" and so are "the Resistance fighters on the frontlines."

"This war has not affected our will and will not affect our determination to confront [the enemy]," he maintained.

Sheikh Qassem pointed out that the Resistance fighters have proven their worth on the ground.

After all, "they are the sons of the master of the martyrs of the Axis of Resistance, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah," he affirmed.

He stated that the Resistance "draws inspiration from the resolve of martyred Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, who left behind a legacy of steadfast resistance against the Zionists across a wide front."

'The Lebanese front has exhausted the enemy'

Discussing the accomplishments of the Lebanon front, Sheikh Naim Qassem emphasized that it "wore down the enemy and forced tens of thousands of settlers to flee from their settlements."

In response to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's claim that he "wants to bring back the settlers," Sheikh Qassem addressed him and promised him that many more settlers would be displaced, warning that "the longer the war continues, the greater Israel's predicament will become."

He reiterated that the support front "is focused on alleviating the pressure imposed on Gaza and defending Lebanon and its people."

'Ground confrontation has begun'

Sheikh Qassem affirmed that although theļ¾ confrontations in South Lebanon have begun, the Israeli enemy has failed to advance, "leaving the Zionists bewildered by their inability to do so."

He stressed that "the few meters that the enemy may gain are of no value, and we will engage them, whether on the frontlines or beyond," warning that "if the enemy continues its war, the final word will be that of the battlefield, and we are the men of the battlefield and will not beg for a solution." 

He added that this is a war of "who screams [in pain] first [and surrenders]," affirming, "We will not scream, we will continue, we will sacrifice, and we will give [our everything]... we are steadfast and we will win, and God willing, you will hear the enemy's screams."

'No discussion before ceasefire'

While affirming the Resistance's stance, Sheikh Qassem expressed his support for the political movement led by Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, which primarily advocates for a ceasefire.

He expressed extreme confidence in the leadership of Nabih Berri, "The Secretary-General once regarded you as the elder brother, and I know you are regarded as such by the entirety of Hezbollah."

Sheikh Qassem asserted that before a ceasefire agreement, nothing else is relevant.

He also emphasized that Hezbollah and the Amal Movement "are united as one heart in both good times and bad," asking, "Who would expect anything less from the followers of Sayyed Moussa al-Sadr?"

Al-Aqsa Flood, the beginning of change in the Middle East

In this context, Sheikh Qassem discussed Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, explaining that it is “an extraordinary and unprecedented event, marking the beginning of a change in the Middle East.”

He explained that "the Israeli enemy, the US, and Western countries are plotting to try to instill fear in us, but their plan to intimidate us will fail," affirming that the confrontations are blessed. 

Sheikh Qassem affirmed that "this great confrontation is blessed; it is a righteous path toward change."

He added, "The objective of the occupation has been the complete eradication of resistance and the systematic annihilation of the Palestinian people, aimed at stripping them of their ability to resist and claim their rights."

He further pointed out that "Lebanon has been targeted, and Netanyahu has repeatedly stated that he wants a new Middle East, but history has proven time and again that this entity poses a threat to the entire region."

In this context, he clarified that "our struggle is not a fight for Iranian influence, as Netanyahu claims; it is a fight for the liberation of Palestine."

Furthermore, the Deputy Secretary-General of Hezbollah remarked that "the crimes of the occupation are unparalleled in all of history," emphasizing that the Palestinian people "deserve life and liberation."

He also said that although "the aggression on the Southern Suburb, South Lebanon, Bekaa, and Mount Lebanon is deeply painful," he maintained that "the enemy's tactic is to target civilians, believing it will secure victory."

In conclusion, he emphasized that "the only solution for us is resistance, steadfastness, and uniting our people around us. This is our recipe to victory." He addressed the enemies, saying, "Your attempts are in vain, and the support base of the Resistance is strong and consolidated. After all, they are the most honorable people, the greatest people, and the people of utmost determination and resolve."

Sheikh Qassem addressed the Resistance community, affirming, “Just as you proved your steadfastness during the July 2006 aggression, which you have continued to demonstrate over the past year, we firmly believe that victory will come through the resilience of the Resistance fighters and your unwavering patience. Israel will ultimately fall.”

https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/no-position-is-vacant--hezbollah-men-of-battlefield--ready

Al Mayadeen – October 8, 2024

Israel killed 1,000 healthcare workers in Gaza: WHO

Healthcare facilities and workers are proving to be prime targets for the Israeli occupation in both Lebanon and Gaza.

The World Health Organization (WHO) released a special report Tuesday detailing the dire health conditions in Gaza and Lebanon as a result of the ongoing Israeli aggression, revealing paramount Israeli criminality in the region.

According to the WHO, nearly 1,000 healthcare workers in Gaza have been killed by the Israeli occupation since the start of the genocide, which started on October 7, 2023. The organization also revealed that 6% of Gaza's total population had either been killed or injured during the past year of relentless bombardment.

Additionally, the WHO report highlighted the massive displacement caused by the war, noting that 90% of Gaza's population had been forced to flee their homes due to the ongoing Israeli airstrikes.

Philippe Lazzarini, the Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), described Gaza as a "graveyard for tens of thousands of Palestinians, including a large number of children," after a year of intense violence. Lazzarini's comments come as the Israeli offensive continues with US support and near-international complicity.

Since the onset of the aggression on October 7, Israeli forces have carried out attacks by land, sea, and air, killing 41,909 Palestinians and wounding 97,303 others, many of whom are children and women.

36 healthcare facilities attacked in Lebanon

The WHO report also addressed the situation in Lebanon, where 36 attacks on healthcare facilities have been verified since October 2023. Over 2,000 Lebanese civilians have been killed, and nearly 10,000 have been injured in Israeli strikes on the country.

UNICEF recently confirmed the deaths of more than 100 Lebanese children and injuries to 690 others during the first 11 days of the Israeli assault. The UN agency further warned of a growing health crisis in Lebanon, with 1,974 killed, 9,384 injured, and over 346,209 people displaced as a result of the violence.

In a post on its official X account, UNICEF stated: "Lebanon is facing a health crisis."

Earlier today, Lebanon received a shipment of medical supplies and medicines from France. The aid was delivered to Rafic Hariri International Airport in Beirut, where Lebanon's caretaker Minister of Public Health, Dr. Firas Abiad, was present alongside French Ambassador Herve Magro.

Qatar also sent aid to Lebanon, with Qatari State Minister for International Cooperation Lolwah Al Khater and Qatari Ambassador Saud bin Abdulrahman Al Thani overseeing the delivery.

"This is the third plane to arrive in Beirut today," Abiad said, emphasizing the "joint effort between Qatar and France" to deliver aid to Lebanon. He added that this collaboration "will lead to more significant and efficient aid reaching Lebanon."

Escalating violence against Lebanon

In the latest wave of Israeli strikes, the Southern Suburb of Beirut was hit by a series of violent air raids, which resumed early Tuesday. An Al Mayadeen correspondent reported that more than 26 airstrikes have targeted the area in the last 24 hours alone.

The Israeli occupation forces also continued targeting rescue teams and civil defense workers, attempting to prevent them from reaching the affected areas. Reports indicate that civil defense and ambulance vehicles are unable to enter the Southern Suburb due to the intense Israeli bombardment there.

In one devastating attack, fires broke out following a strike on the Tahwitat al-Ghadir area after airstrikes targeted fuel tanks. Flames continued to rage in the aftermath of the air raid.

Simultaneously, Israeli artillery shelled the heights of Jabal al-Saddaneh on the outskirts of al-Arqoub in southern Lebanon, one Al Mayadeen correspondent reported.

Artillery fire also struck Alma al-Shaab and Naqoura, while Israeli warplanes targeted the city of Tyre near Hiram Hospital and the city of Nabatiyeh. Additionally, a drone strike destroyed a motorcycle in the southern town of Ramadiyah. Other towns, including Yater, Khiam, and Tafahtha, were also hit by Israeli airstrikes.

In the Bekaa region, Israeli warplanes bombed several towns in both western and eastern Bekaa, resulting in numerous civilian casualties. A massacre was reported in the town of al-Khader in the northern Bekaa. Two women and a child were among the five martyred in the attack.

https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/-israel--killed-1-000-healthcare-workers-in-gaza--who

Daily Sabah – October 7, 2024

Journalists

With over 175 journalists killed in their line of duty, Israel's genocidal war in Gaza has become the deadliest for reporters since World War II.

Palestinian journalist Islam al-Zaanoun was so determined to cover the war that she went back to work two months after giving birth. But, like all journalists in Gaza, she wasn't just covering the story – she was living it.

The 34-year-old, who works for Palestine TV, gave birth to a girl in Gaza city a few weeks after the beginning of the Israeli brutal offensive last October.

She had to have a Caesarean section as Israeli airstrikes pounded the strip. Her doctors operated in the dark with only the lights on their cellphones to guide them.

The next day she went home but the day after that she had to flee the fighting, driving further south with her three children. Nine days after giving birth, she was forced to abandon her car and continue on foot.

"I had to walk 8 kilometers (5 miles) to get to the south with my children," she said. "There were bodies and corpses everywhere, horrifying sight. I felt my heart was going to stop from the fear."

Just 60 days later, she got back in front of the camera to report on the war, joining the ranks of Palestinian journalists who have provided the world's only window on the conflict in the absence of international media, who have not been granted free access by Israeli authorities.

"Correspondents have reporting in their blood, they don't learn it, so they cannot be far from the coverage too long," al-Zaanoun told the Thomson Reuters Foundation.

As of Oct. 4, at least 127 journalists and media workers had been killed since the conflict began, according to the U.S.-based Committee to Protect Journalists.

This has made the past year the deadliest period on record for journalists since the press watchdog started keeping records in 1992.

Press freedom advocacy group Reporters Without Borders has recorded more than 130 Palestinian journalists killed in Gaza in the past year, including at least 32 media workers who it says were directly targeted by Israel.

According to the Gaza Media office, however, the death toll is as many as 175.

To date, CPJ has determined that at least five journalists were directly targeted by Israeli forces in killings which CPJ classifies as murders.

They include Reuters journalist Issam Abdallah, 37, who was killed by an Israeli tank crew in southern Lebanon last October, a Reuters investigation has found.

CPJ is still researching the details for confirmation in at least 10 other cases that indicate possible targeting.

Doha-based Al Jazeera's veteran Gaza correspondent Wael al-Dahdouh has lost five members of his immediate family, including one son who was also a journalist.

Al-Dahdouh's wife, two other children and a grandson had died earlier in the war.

Lt. Col. Richard Hecht, the Israel Defense Forces' international spokesman, said at the time of Abdallah's killing: "We don't target journalists." He did not provide further comment.

More than 41,600 people have been killed in Gaza and almost 100,000 have been wounded since Oct. 7, according to Gaza's Health Ministry.

Israel launched its offensive after Hamas stormed into southern Israel, killing about 1,200 people and taking more than 250 hostages, according to Israeli tallies.

'Where is international law?'

For journalists like al-Zaanoun, the challenges are not limited to staying safe while reporting. Like the rest of the 2.3 million people in the strip, media workers have been displaced multiple times, gone hungry, lacked water and shelter and mourned dead neighbors and friends.

Food is scarce, diapers are expensive, and medicine is lacking, al-Zaanoun said. As well as her professional desire to keep reporting, she needs to put food on the table because her husband has not been able to work since the war started.

"If I don't work, my kids will go hungry," she said.

Like all Gazans, she fears for her safety and does not dare defy Israeli evacuation orders.

"We had no protection really. Had we decided to stay in the northern areas that would have definitely cost us a very high price and that is what happened to our friends," she said.

The Israeli war falls under a complex international system of justice that has emerged since World War II, much of it aimed at protecting civilians.

Even if states say they are acting in self-defense, international rules regarding armed conflict apply to all participants in a war.

Article 79 of the Geneva Conventions treats journalists working in conflict settings as protected civilians if they don't engage in the fighting.

In March, senior leaders at multiple global media outlets signed a letter urging Israeli authorities to protect journalists in Gaza, saying reporters have been working in unprecedented conditions and faced "grave personal risk."

What CPJ has called "the most dangerous" war for journalists has reverberated across the world, striking fear into reporters who are concerned about the setting of deadly precedents.

Abdalle Ahmed Mumin, a veteran freelance reporter and the secretary general of the Somali Journalists Syndicate, said he had experienced violence before but was shocked by what was happening in Gaza.

"I have been targeted personally myself. I have been detained, I have been unjustly kidnapped several times," he said in an interview with the Thomson Reuters Foundation.

"I know all these things, but I haven't witnessed the kind of brutality that the journalists in Gaza have been going through."

Since 1992, 18 of Mumin's friends and colleagues have been killed in Somalia, where first warlords and later al-Qaeda-linked al Shabaab terrorists have caused years of conflict.

"I'm scared of being a journalist ... because of the failure of the international protection mechanisms, the failure of the international community," he said. "Where is the international law? Where is the international humanitarian law?"

https://www.dailysabah.com/world/mid-east/israel-has-turned-gaza-into-cemetery-for-journalists-press-freedom
 

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