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Breaking News: Intense fighting continues in Gaza as Israel expands its ground operations, targeting Hamas infrastructure following the October 7th attacks. The conflict has resulted in a rapidly escalating humanitarian crisis, with over 10,000 Palestinians killed as of November 10, 2023, according to the Gaza health Ministry, and over 1,400 Israelis killed in the initial Hamas assault and subsequent clashes. The United Nations and international aid organizations are struggling to deliver essential supplies to the besieged territory.
Context: The Israel-Palestine Conflict
The current conflict is rooted in a decades-long dispute over land and self-determination between Israelis and Palestinians. The Gaza Strip, a 25-mile long territory bordering Egypt and Israel, is home to over 2.3 million Palestinians. It has been under an Israeli blockade as 2007, following Hamas’s takeover of the region. Hamas, designated as a terrorist institution by Israel, the United States, and the European Union, seeks the establishment of a Palestinian state and has repeatedly engaged in armed conflict with Israel.
Key Events Leading to the Current Crisis:
On October 7, 2023, Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel, firing thousands of rockets and sending militants into Israeli territory. the attack, dubbed “Operation Al-Aqsa Flood” by Hamas, breached the Gaza security fence in multiple locations. Militants targeted Israeli towns and military bases, killing civilians and taking over 240 hostages, including women, children, and the elderly. The hostages are currently being held in gaza, and their fate remains uncertain.
Israel’s Response:
Israel responded with a massive aerial bombardment of Gaza, followed by a ground invasion. The stated objective of the operation, named “iron Swords,” is to dismantle Hamas’s military capabilities and remove them from power. Israeli forces have been focusing on areas in northern gaza, including Gaza City, were Hamas is believed to have a notable presence. The offensive has resulted in widespread destruction of infrastructure and a growing number of civilian casualties.
Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza:
The Israeli blockade and ongoing military operations have created a severe humanitarian crisis in gaza. Essential supplies, including food, water, medicine, and fuel, are running critically low. Hospitals are overwhelmed with casualties and are struggling to function due to power outages and shortages of medical supplies. The United Nations estimates that over 1.6 million Palestinians have been displaced from their homes, seeking shelter in overcrowded schools and other facilities.International organizations are calling for a ceasefire and increased humanitarian access to Gaza.
International Involvement:
The conflict has drawn international condemnation and calls for de-escalation. The United states has expressed strong support for Israel’s right to defend itself while also urging restraint and protection of civilians. Egypt and Qatar have been mediating between Israel and Hamas, seeking to secure the release of hostages and a ceasefire. The Arab League has called for an immediate end to the violence and the provision of humanitarian aid to Gaza. The International Criminal Court (ICC) is investigating alleged war crimes committed by both sides.
Key Figures:
- Benjamin Netanyahu: Prime Minister of Israel
- Mohammed Deif: commander-in-chief of Hamas’s military wing
- António Guterres: Secretary-General of the United Nations
- Tony Blinken: U.S. Secretary of State
A recent report highlights the growing engagement of Malayalis in the United States with global news, especially concerning international leaders and geopolitical events. The data suggests a meaningful interest in figures like Benjamin Netanyahu and Donald Trump, as well as ongoing developments in Gaza strip and broader US news.
This trend indicates a desire among the diaspora to stay informed about world affairs, reflecting thier interconnectedness with global politics and their communities abroad. The increased access to and consumption of international news by Malayalis in the US underscores their role as active participants in the global information landscape.
Thirteen Fire Trucks Tackle Henderson Blaze
Commercial Laundromat Engulfed in Flames
Emergency services were dispatched to a fierce fire engulfing a two-storey commercial building in Auckland’s Henderson suburb late Friday evening. Thirteen fire engines, including specialized ladder trucks, converged on Keeling Road to combat the rapidly spreading flames.
Rapid Response to Infernal Scene
Fire and Emergency New Zealand received the initial report of the blaze at 9:08 PM. Upon arrival, crews found the commercial laundromat building significantly involved in fire, with flames visible and smoke billowing into the night sky.
The operational response involved a substantial contingent of firefighting resources, highlighting the intensity of the incident. Such large-scale deployments are crucial in containing fires that threaten to spread to adjacent properties.
Community Impact and Fire Safety
While the immediate cause of the fire remains under investigation, incidents like these underscore the importance of commercial fire safety regulations. According to the New Zealand Fire and Emergency annual report, in 2023, over 8,000 fires involved commercial or industrial properties, with electrical faults being a common contributing factor.
Details regarding any potential injuries or the full extent of the damage to the laundromat are still emerging. Firefighters worked diligently through the night to bring the situation under control and prevent further escalation.
Israel Strikes Syrian Military Sites in Damascus Amid Regional Tensions
Syrian security forces were deployed to the Sweida region on Monday,July 14th,to mediate a conflict between Druze fighters and Bedouin armed groups.However, these forces became embroiled in clashes wiht Druze militias. This escalating situation drew the attention of Israel, which subsequently conducted airstrikes against Syrian government forces on July 14th and 15th, citing the protection of the Druze community as its objective.
The Israeli military announced on Wednesday, July 16th, that it would reinforce its troop presence along the border with Syria. This decision followed a brief ceasefire announced by the Damascus Defence Ministry, which failed to de-escalate the renewed fighting between Druze fighters and syrian government forces in the Sweida region. Israel has indicated its intention to intensify its attacks if Syrian government forces do not withdraw from the Sweida area.
Chef Calombaris Recounts COVID Lockdown Struggles and Legal Battles
Former MasterChef Judge Details Personal Crisis and Past Controversies
Star chef **George Calombaris** has opened up about a difficult period during Melbourne’s extended COVID-19 lockdowns, revealing a descent into daily drinking that culminated in a concerning incident.
A Crisis Point
Confined to his home for nearly two years, **Calombaris** described feeling adrift with no work and little to do, leading him to start drinking daily. This continued for three months until a distressing night where he drove off without knowing his destination.
“I’ll never forget three months down the track I lost it one night. I got in my car, drove down the road, I don’t know where [I was]. My brother found me pissed as a fart.”
—George Calombaris
His brother’s intervention proved crucial. “And that was a moment, he really slapped it out of me and went ‘Enough is enough’,”
**Calombaris** recalled.
Past Legal Issues Addressed
The chef’s candid admission comes after a period of significant public scrutiny. His company, Made Establishment, faced penalties for underpaying staff. The group eventually repaid wages and superannuation, and was fined a $200,000 “contrition payment”.
Addressing the wage controversy, **Calombaris** had previously stated the issues affected a portion of their workforce. “We went to Fair Work, we owned up and we paid,”
he said.
Assault Charge and Appeal
Separately, **Calombaris** faced an assault charge following an altercation with a fan at an A-League grand final, allegedly related to the wage scandal. While initially convicted, the assault charge was overturned on a 2018 appeal.
The legal proceedings were costly, both financially and personally. “It was six months of pain, you know. I had to go in and out of court three times, hire one of the best KCs of the time,”
he shared, estimating the financial impact through lost endorsements at around $3 million. “I would have rather taken that 3 million and given it to charity.”
The Australian hospitality sector, like many globally, faced immense challenges during the pandemic. Data from industry group Restaurant & Catering Australia indicates that by mid-2022, over 20% of hospitality businesses were still struggling with staffing shortages, a persistent issue post-lockdowns (Source: Restaurant & Catering Australia, 2022).
Authority Israel say that Gaza’s ceasefirewhich is now being negotiated in Qatar, may be realized within one week or two weeks. This was conveyed by Tel Aviv after the group Hamas expressed readiness to free 10 Israeli hostages as part of the agreement.
An Israeli senior official, who declined to be named, as reported Reuters And Al ArabiyaThursday (10/7/2025), said that the ceasefire agreement and the release of hostages in the Gaza Strip would most likely not be achieved in one day.
According to the Israeli senior official, an agreement between Israel and Hamas might be achieved in the next one week or two weeks.
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This statement was made during the Prime Minister (PM) Benjamin Netanyahu Visiting Washington DC this week.
Furthermore, it was said by the senior Israeli official that if both parties approve of the 60 days of the ceasefire proposal, Tel Aviv will use this time to offer a permanent ceasefire – on condition that the Hamas group must disarm their weapons.
If Hamas refused, said the senior Israeli official, “we will continue” military operations in the Gaza Strip.
This was conveyed after Hamas, on Wednesday (9/7), expressed readiness to free 10 hostages in an ongoing effort to realize the ceasefire of Gaza.
But Hamas also mentioned that the ceasefire negotiations that were taking place in Qatar took place “difficult” because of the “violence of the heart” of Israel.
Also check out the video: Netanyahu: Israel-As wants to end Hamas’s power in Gaza
In his statement, the Hamas group said there were still major obstacles in negotiations, especially regarding the flow of humanitarian assistance freely, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip, and “real guarantees” for permanent ceasefire.
“This movement shows the needed flexibility and agrees to free 10 prisoners (hostages),” Hamas said in his statement, as reported by AFP.
“Although negotiations on these issues are still difficult until now due to the violence of occupation (Israel), we continue to work seriously and with a positive spirit with the mediators to overcome obstacles and end our people’s suffering, and ensure their aspirations for freedom, security, and dignified life,” said the group.
Hamas’s statement was delivered after four days of indirect negotiations mediated by Qatar, and when United States of America (US) signaling the belief that the 60 -day ceasefire agreement will be achieved before weekends.
The US special delegation for the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, said that part of the agreement was the return of 10 alive hostages, which Hamas and its allies were held on the Gaza Strip since the attack in October 2023 which triggered the war.
Of the 251 hostages brought to the Gaza Strip, as many as 49 hostages were believed to be still detained in the region, including 27 people who according to the Israeli military had died.
Meanwhile, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar expressed his belief that the ceasefire and agreement on the liberation of hostages in the “can be achieved”, although there were no signs of breakthroughs in the ongoing negotiations with Hamas.
It was confirmed by Saar that Israel seriously wanted to reach an agreement to end the battle over the past 21 months.
“If a temporary ceasefire is reached, we will negotiate a permanent ceasefire,” he said in a speech in Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia.
Also check out the video: Netanyahu: Israel-As wants to end Hamas’s power in Gaza
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