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Middle East conflict

Over 720 Palestinians die in West Bank since start of Gaza conflict

The situation in the Middle East sharply escalated on October 7, 2023, when the Palestinian Hamas militants infiltrated the Israeli territory from Gaza, killing residents of Israeli border settlements and taking hostages

DUBAI, October 18. /TASS/. At least 728 Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since October 7, 2023, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in the occupied Palestinian territory reported.

According to the document issued by the office, 23 Israelis have been killed in the West Bank and East Jerusalem over the same period, of whom 16 were servicemen of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).

The situation in the Middle East sharply escalated on October 7, 2023, when the Palestinian Hamas militants infiltrated the Israeli territory from Gaza, killing residents of Israeli border settlements and taking hostages. Hamas described its attack as retaliation for the aggressive actions taken by Israeli authorities against the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem. In response, Israel declared a total blockade of the Gaza Strip and started launching airstrikes on Gaza as well as some parts of Lebanon and Syria before starting a ground operation in the Palestinian enclave. Clashes are also taking place in the West Bank.

Middle East conflict

Russia concerned about consequences of Hamas leader's assassination — Kremlin

"The humanitarian disaster that is observed in both Gaza and Lebanon is the subject of our serious concern," Dmitry Peskov noted

Vessel capsizes on Russia’s Far Eastern island of Sakhalin, killing two — investigators

It is reported that the capsized vessel is the Grigory Lovtsov cargo ship, which was transporting crushed stone and sand

Ex-SBU officer sees Ukraine, US cooking up plot to expel Russia from OPCW

According to Vasily Prozorov, the OPCW received "advice" from its Western curators not to react to Russian statements about Ukraine's violating the convention

EU’s rejection of dialogue on Ukraine with Russia major mistake — Hungarian PM

Viktor Orban has repeatedly stated that Hungary believes the Ukrainian conflict cannot be resolved on the battlefield, that there can be no winners, and that it should be settled at the negotiating table

Hamas head Sinwar eliminated during operation in Gaza’s south on October 16 — IDF

The identification process is complete

EU announces actual halt to Georgia’s accession process

The council also reaffirmed the European Union’s "readiness to support the Georgian people on their European path"

Growing autonomy of Russian strike drones prompts US to boost its defenses — portal

According to Defense One, the United States plans to employ the Leonidas high-powered microwave system, which is designed to overload an incoming drone’s circuits with energy and knock it out

Command of Ukraine's 59th brigade executes Russian POWs — Ukrainian captive

Konstantin Kolesnikov urged his fellow soldiers to surrender and stressed that in the current conditions this is the only way for the Ukrainian soldiers to survive

Zelensky has no chance of implementing his settlement plan — news outlet

On October 16, Zelensky presented his plan for ending the conflict, in which he ruled out territorial concessions

Putin points to attempts of employing global sports arena for ‘unnatural norms’ propaganda

Russian President said that he is certain that global majority chooses a "path to follow that is based on equality"

Half of Ukrainian group in Maksimilyanovka destroyed — security forces

It is reported that the Ukrainian armed forces lost many fighters on this section of the line of engagement

Ukraine’s military created network of underpasses near Ugledar — Russia’s top brass

As Russian servicemen say, the enemy is poorly trained and only few fighters, largely foreign mercenaries, put up fierce resistance while the others try to retreat or surrender

Zelensky unveils his plan without getting West's approval — media

It is reported that Ukrainian officials were expecting a response during a meeting of the contact group on military assistance to Ukraine at the Ramstein Air Base in Germany

Ukraine cannot engage in talks with Russia from position of strength, as it loses — Orban

The Hungarian prime minister emphasized that this is why it is necessary to reach a ceasefire and start peace talks as soon as possible

Ukraine’s losses, captives, strikes on reserves: situation in Kursk Region

According to the report, Russian tactical aviation and missile forces hit the enemy reserves in the Sumy Region

Hungarian minister warns world war could break out if Ukraine joins NATO

Peter Szijjarto reiterated that Hungary opposes sending European military trainers to Ukraine

Yearly plan for staffing of armed forces with contract servicemen 78% complete — Medvedev

The Russian Security Council deputy chairman noted that "this rate is rather good"

Kiev considering possibility of rebuilding nuclear weapons stockpile — newspaper

According to Bild's source, it will take Kiev just a few weeks to make a bomb

Ukrainian troops try to leave Selidovo in small groups — security forces

It is noted that the operational situation for the Ukrainian armed forces around the city is deteriorating

Number of deserters in Ukraine quadruples in 9 months

Ukraine’s law enforcement agencies are not capable of investigating such a large number of cases

Israel may strike Iran soon — media

Iran had launched a massive missile attack on Israel on October 1, in retaliation for the assassinations of key figures from Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps

Hezbollah says it begins new phase of confrontation with Israel

Earlier, the movement said in its communique that its fighters had killed at least 55 Israeli soldiers and officers and injured more than 500 others in fighting in Lebanon since the beginning of October

Chancellor reiterates Germany has no plans to provide Taurus missiles to Kiev

Olaf Scholz said about "full responsibility to make sure that the war between Russia and Ukraine does not escalate into a war between Russia and NATO"

Ukraine fires at least six artillery rounds at Energodar — official

No casualties or damage were reported in the shelling, the Zaporozhye nuclear power plant's communications director said

FACTBOX: Russian zookeeper dies after being mauled by lions

Leokadia Perevalova, who worked in the Crimean Taigan Park, was killed by lions while she was cleaning their enclosure

Venezuela wants into BRICS due to its growing influence in global economy

According to Delcy Rodriguez, the US and European Union members no longer play a decisive role in the global economy

NATO chief admits Ukraine won’t be next country to join organization

Mark Rutte opined that the best security guarantees are arms supplies and bilateral security agreements between Ukraine and NATO countries

Russia not threat to Hungary, rest of EU — Hungarian minister

"Hungary is a member of NATO, and NATO is rather powerful," Viktor Orban said

Press review: Kim Jong Un dynamites Seoul links and NATO, US lay plans to deter Russia

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, October 16th

Ukrainian losses: situation in Kursk Region

The Russian military must encircle and eliminate the Ukrainian servicemen operating in the Kursk Region, Major General Apty Alaudinov stressed

Iran successfully used Russian-made radar to track US F-35 jets — designer

The Rezonans-NE radar has been on round-the-clock combat duty in Iran for several years, according to the deputy CEO of the research center Rezonans

Putin thanks outgoing ROC President Pozdnyakov for his work

He earlier proposed that the ROC Executive Committee hold elections in December

North Korea fully severs transport communication with South

A spokesman for North Korea’s Defense Ministry said Pyongyang would take more measures "to permanently fortify the closed southern border"

Russia, Kazakhstan discuss construction of three power plants — Russian Deputy PM

Issues of energy cooperation were discussed as well, Alexey Overchuk said

Situation gets bleaker for Ukrainian military, US thinks about negotiations — news agency

Columnist Hal Brands pointed out that none of the plans of US presidential candidates Donald Trump and Kamala Harris so far provide an answer to how to "turn a deteriorating battlefield situation into a decent peace" for Kiev

US sanctioned three companies, individual, for alleged development of Russian drone

Two Chinese companies, one Russian firm and one Russian national were blacklisted

NATO cannot confirm reports about DPRK troops’ involvement in special op — Rutte

"We have no confirming reports, but we believe that the DPRK is already supporting Russia's military efforts in technical terms," NATO Secretary General said, answering questions from South Korean reporters

Putin to meet with heads of media outlets from BRICS countries

The meeting will take place ahead of the group’s summit, set to be held in the Russian city of Kazan on October 22-24

Top Israeli diplomat confirms killing of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar

Israel Katz described the assassination as "a major military and moral achievement"

Pier upgrade at Pacific Fleet base allowed 7 subs to enter service, Russian ministry says

Commander of the Pacific Fleet Submarine Forces Vice Admiral Vladimir Dmitriyev made the statement in a report to Russian Defense Minister Andrey Belousov as the minister was visiting the Kamchatka Region

Ukraine run by CIA, MI-6 specialists, not Zelensky — former PM

Ukraine’s former Prime Minister (2010-2014) Nikolai Azarov said the Ukrainian authorities are fulfilling ready-made plans "under supervision from Western specialists"

Press review: Zelensky's Victory Plan jumbled mess and SCO helps usher in new world order

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, October 17th

Russia to keep up training athletes despite their int’l tournaments’ suspensions — Putin

According to Russian President, this is not the reason for reducing the quality of training

Russian troops close to encircling Kurakhovo after liberation of Maksimilyanovka in DPR

"Maksimilyanovka brings closer the encirclement of Kurakhovo from the southeast," the defense circles said

Ukrainian troops sent to areas seized by Russia to become 'cannon fodder,' POW says

According to the soldier, retreating from the settlement of Karlovka was especially hard for him and his fellow servicemen

Governor says term of Russian land lease to China will be known within year

The authorities of Russia’s Trans-Baikal Territory announced their decision on leasing out to China a total of 115,000 hectares of land for a term of 49 years

Special services investigate whether Ukraine can actually develop nuclear weapons — Orban

The Ukrainian president said at a joint press conference with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte on October 17 that the Ukrainian authorities would not develop nuclear weapons

Only Ukrainian commanders allowed to retreat in Krasnoarmeysk area — captive

Konstantin Kolesnikov surrendered as a prisoner of war in the area of the village of Pervomayskoye

Khaled Mashal becomes new Hamas leader after Sinwar’s death — website

According to Lebanon's LBCI news website, he is now responsible for communication with the key parties involved in talks on the release of Israeli hostages

One Direction’s former member Liam Payne falls to death in Buenos Aires

He was 31 years old

Russia promotes true ideals in sports, such as honor and respect for opponents — Putin

"Building on the vast experience of holding large-scale sports festivals, including the Winter Games in Sochi and the FIFA World Cup, Russia promotes new formats of cooperation," the Russian leader said

Russian women's futsal team 'didn't have to wear hijabs, but chose to' — coach

According to the team's coach, the Russian players were really interested in experiencing what it felt like to wear the hijab and play in it all the time

Russia warns Israel not to attack Iran's nuclear facilities — senior diplomat

"This would be a catastrophic development and a complete rejection of the existing postulates in the sphere of nuclear security," Sergey Ryabkov stressed

Iran to respond 'painfully' if Israel attacks its facilities — commander-in-chief

Recalling Operation True Promise-2 (a massive missile strike on Israel on October 1 in response to the assassination of key leaders of Hamas, Hezbollah and the IRGC), Salami emphasized that it was only a warning for Israel to "learn a lesson"

Biden arrives in Berlin for meetings with Germany’s leadership

He is expected to hold meetings with President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Chancellor Olaf Scholz

EU fails to persuade Gulf states to support anti-Russian sanctions

The document’s section, devoted to Ukraine, says that the sides "reaffirm our respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity of States, and commitment to fundamental principles of the UN Charter"

Kiev working on dirty bomb, Medvedev warns

Bild reported earlier that Kiev is seriously considering replenishing its nuclear weapon stocks

Russian Olympic Committee’s work requires adjustments, says Putin

Accrording to Russian President, it is important to step up efforts in international cooperation

Kazakh leader explains Russia's invincibility by military potential, population's support

Peace, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev noted, is the only option, not destroying each other

Kiev ready for ceasefire along current front line, without recognizing new border — media

A significant number of Ukrainian troops "find themselves trapped" on Russian territory (near Kursk) and are unable to come to aid in Donbass where they are outnumbered in men, the report added

Zelensky's military plan to lead to his defeat, Hungary not involved in this — Orban

It is reported that the defeated now want to move on to a victory plan

Potential fall of Krasnoarmeisk to deal heavy blow to Ukraine’s economy — media

According to the media outlet, Russia’s offensive in the area "threatens to finally topple the city of Pokrovsk - and that carries both military and economic risks."

Scholz says nothing changes in Germany’s position, decisions on Ukraine

"Otherwise, there are strategic issues that need to be discussed. You know what decisions I have made, and nothing will change in them," the German chancellor assured

Hamas leader Sinwar eliminated thank to US intelligence - White House

US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan added that it is "a credit to the IDF for taking out Sinwar," but the United States is "proud of the support it has given to the IDF all along the way

Harris close on Trump’s heels, latest poll shows

The poll was conducted online and by phone on October 10 and from October 13 to October 15

Hezbollah fires long-range rockets at Zvulun neighborhood north of Haifa

Earlier, Hezbollah's operational command stated that "the transition to a new phase of hostilities will involve the use of precision missile weapons and new types of unmanned aerial vehicles that have not yet been deployed in attacks on Israeli targets"

Zelensky claims nukes only option for Ukraine if NATO denies it entry

The Ukrainian president said that he raised this issue during his meeting with US ex-President Donald Trump in September

Slovak prime minister predicts imminent end of Ukrainian conflict

Robert Fico also noted that "there are talks again about the possibility of Ukraine joining NATO"

World Bank improves forecast for Russian GDP growth in 2024-2025

Russia is expected to have economic growth by 3.2% in 2024, 1.6% in 2025, and 1.1% in 2026, the document indicates

Death toll in Makeyevka increases to 89 — Russian Defense Ministry

All the efforts were taken to save injured individuals immediately after the tragedy, the General noted

State Duma passes draft law on fines for childfree propaganda in first reading

The biggest fine is 5 million rubles ($51,000), which would be imposed on legal entities who promote childfree to minors using the Internet or mass media

US has no idea what to do about Zelensky — Seymour Hersh

According to the journalist, the decision to conduct the operation was made by US President Joe Biden personally, following nine months of discussions with White House national security advisers

FATF will not blacklist Russia, expert says

This would create the threat of disintegration of the organization, EHESS Director of Studies Jacques Sapir said

Portugal’s Ronaldo world’s highest-paid footballer in 2024 — Forbes

Second on the Forbes list was Argentina’s Lionel Messi

Attempts to dissuade leaders from taking part in BRICS summit to be made — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov stressed that Russia offers "a model of relations that is fundamentally different from the one proposed by the so-called collective West"

Russian forces liberate Maksimilyanovka community in Donbass region over past day

Russia’s Battlegroup West inflicted more than 460 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed six enemy ammunition depots over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

Blowing up of roads means severance of ties with South Korea — North Korean leader

Kim Jong Un said that it is a foreign country and a hostile state

Russia’s ruling party leader says US political traditions should be treated with respect

Some of US political traditions may seem hilarious to an outsider, Dmitry Medvedev added

EU, West losing Ukraine conflict — Hungarian PM Orban

"This indicates that we have adopted an unsuccessful strategy in this conflict," Viktor Orban went on to say

Russia makes another real peace proposal to Kiev — Putin

Vladimir Putin emphasized that Russia's plan would mean ending the conflict once and for all, not freezing it

IN BRIEF: Enemy losses and surrendering troops: situation in Russia’s Kursk Region

Ukrainian trench system discovered in settlements liberated on way to Krasnoarmeysk

DPR head Denis Pushilin announced that he had visited Karlovka, Novosyolovka Pervaya, Peski and seven other settlements

Lavrov to take part in '3+3' meeting on South Caucasus

According to Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, the meeting will involve the top diplomats of Armenia, Azerbaijan, Iran and Russia

Bundestag lawmaker calls Zelensky’s initiative a 'world war plan'

According to Sevim Dagdelen, the German government must deny such an initiative

Iraqi radical group claims capable of hitting Israeli nuclear facility near Dimona

The spokesperson stated that if the readiness of the Islamic Resistance in Iraq militias is raised to level five, the highest level, they "will engage in open combat with no restrictions"

Germany prepares to give Ukraine AIM-9L missiles and 4,000 attack drones

The list also contains weapons that were already transferred to Kiev over the past month

US plotting false-flag operation so it can go to war with Iran — expert

According to Alexey Leonkov, if after the possible election of Trump as president of the United States "it is possible to carry out a provocation against a symbolic target, things may turn around for the United States"

'Deterrence package' in Zelensky's plan means deploying Western missiles in Ukraine

The Ukrainian president also reiterated his call to immediately invite Ukraine to join NATO, but quickly backtracked saying that "membership would follow later"

Ukrainian Orthodox schismatics seized country’s largest church, journalism group says

During an overnight liturgy, about 100 unidentified people wearing camouflage and balaclavas broke into the cathedral

Putin visits Borodino Battle Museum

He visited the Borodino Battle Museum founded in 1839 on the orders of Emperor Alexander II

Israeli defense minister suggests Hamas leader definitely killed

The Israel Defense Forces said previously that three Palestinian radicals had been killed in Gaza fighting and one of them could be Yahya Sinwar

All African states to take part in Russia-Africa meeting of foreign ministers in Sirius

The ministerial conference of the Russia-Africa partnership forum will be held on the federal territory of Sirius on November 9-10, 2024

Pope's envoy for Ukraine meets with Russian presidential aide in Moscow

As the report specified, the talks focused on humanitarian issues to facilitate the rapprochement of positions in the conflict between Ukraine and Russia

EU countries must take clear stand against Israeli aggression — Hamas

According to the militants, the calls to open the Gaza border crossings, deliver humanitarian aid to the population of the enclave and institute a ceasefire in the Strip contained in the final document of the Brussels meeting "require tangible steps and actions aimed at forcing Israel to cease hostilities and comply with the solutions adopted by the international community"

Kiev realizes liberation of Kupyansk inevitable — official

According to Vitaly Ganchev, this is not the first time that the Ukrainian authorities have carried out a mandatory evacuation

Lavrov arrives in Istanbul for 3+3 format meeting on Transcaucasian Region

The Russian top diplomat will held a series of bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the event

Ukrainian president makes nuclear weapons remark out of desperation — newspaper

The Daily Telegraph points out that Western officials have been lukewarm on Zelensky’s "victory plan," saying that it was a wishlist for more weapons rather than a deep strategic masterstroke

Australia takes another step in West’s confrontation with Moscow — Russian envoy

Alexey Pavlovsky noted that the Australian government was "driven by the anti-Russian grand strategy of the West"

Russian Aerospace Forces destroy six militant bases, drone depot in Syria

According to Captain 1st rank Oleg Ignasyuk, aircraft of the so-called international anti-terrorism coalition led by the US continue to create dangerous situations

Magnitude 5.0 earthquake strikes off US coast

There have been no reports of casualties or damage

Trump presidency would be 'good for Europe' — Hungarian PM

Under Republican Donald Trump, the international landscape was much calmer than under the current Democratic administration, led by Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, Viktor Orban said