Israel

The release of two American hostages by Hamasmarks the first among at least 203 hostages held by the organization since their infiltration and the tragic events in Israeli southern communities that triggered the ongoing Israel-Hamas war.

US President Joe Biden stated on Friday that the goal of the Oct. 7 attack on Israel by the Palestinian Islamist organisation Hamas, which claimed over 1,400 lives, was to sabotage any prospective normalisation of relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel.

Amid the ongoing war with Israel, Hamas released two American hostages - a mother and her daughter - for 'humanitarian reason' in response to Qatari mediation efforts.

The families of the hostages held in Gaza have arranged a sizable Shabbat dinner table in Tel Aviv, complete with challah, wine, candles, place settings, and 203 vacant chairs symbolizing those presently in the custody of terrorists in Gaza.

"Defense is the essence of what we do - defense of our homes, our people, and our very existence. Defense is about prevention. It's about ensuring that the atrocities of October 7 never happen again," said IDF spokespersonLTC (Res.) Jonathan Conricus ahead of impending Gaza ground offensive.

Israel has undertaken comprehensive preparations and procurement for a ground offensive against Hamas terrorist organisation in Gaza, ensuring logistics, equipment, and medical readiness.

The Israeli government approves regulations allowing temporary shutdowns of foreign news channels during states of emergency, citing concerns about national security and targeting Al Jazeera.

"Over 20 wanted persons were arrested and over 12 terrorists were eliminated, the extensive counter-terrorism operation in the Noor al-Shams refugee camp has ended," the Israel Defense Forces said in a post on X amid the ongoing war with Hamas.

Israel gear up for a potential ground offensive in Gaza amid ongoing war with Hamas, with satellite imagery revealing massive troop and tanks buildup showcasing IDF's preparedness.

Kiryat Gat in southern Israel was on the target list of Hamas terrorists who unleashed bloodshed on October 7. However, Israeli forces managed to stop the terror in its tracks. Ajit Hanamakkanavar, Editor of Asianet Suvarna News, travelled to this city, 50 kilometres from the Gaza border and met some Indian-origin residents.