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Middle East conflict

42,500 Palestinians killed in Gaza Strip since October 2023 — Health Ministry

According to the agency, another 99,546 people have been wounded

CAIRO, October 18. /TASS/. A total of 42,500 Palestinians have been killed in the Gaza Strip as a result of the Israeli operation in the enclave that began in October 2023, the Health Ministry reported.

According to the agency, another 99,546 people have been wounded. "Over the past 24 hours, 62 people were killed and 300 injured in Gaza," the ministry added.

Tensions flared up again in the Middle East on October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants staged a surprise attack on Israeli territory from Gaza, killing residents of Israeli border settlements and taking over 250 hostages, including women, children and the elderly. Hamas described its attack as retaliation for the aggressive actions taken by Israeli authorities against the Al-Aqsa Mosque on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem’s Old City. In response, Israel declared a total blockade of the Gaza Strip, home to 2.3 million Palestinians before the crisis, launching air strikes on Gaza as well as some parts of Lebanon and Syria before starting a ground operation in the Palestinian enclave.

Middle East conflict

Israel estimates Hezbollah’s losses at 1,500 militants — General Staff

According to official data, Israel’s losses during ground operation in southern Lebanon stand at 15 soldiers

Arab countries not letting West muddy relations with Russia — senior diplomat

Mikhail Bogdanov emphasized that the Arab countries have always been regarded by Russia as "a natural ally, playing a significant role in global affairs and possessing vast cultural, economic and political potential"

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"

True sovereignty and reliable partners: what Putin said at BRICS Business Forum

BRICS plays a prominent role in the global economy not only of today

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

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

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

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"

NATO to continue ramping up military presence on Russian border, arms procurement — Rutte

According to Mark Rutte, NATO member states decided to boost their work on the standardization of NATO weapons

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

Counterproductive to set deadlines for ending special military op — Putin

While speaking about the possibility of peace talks, the Russian leader said: "We are in favor of it. I have already explained how this can be achieved. If this is the other side's honest position - they should act, the sooner the better"

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

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"

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

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

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

The identification process is complete

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

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

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

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

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

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

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"

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

Second on the Forbes list was Argentina’s Lionel Messi

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

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

Chinese president to attend BRICS summit in Kazan on October 22-24 — MFA

On September 12, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said at a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin that Chinese President Xi Jinping had accepted an invitation to attend the BRICS Summit in Kazan

NATO's involvement in Ukrainian conflict to lead to disaster — Scholz

The German Chancellor reiterated that Germany would continue to support Ukraine

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

Russian strategic nuclear-powered sub Knyaz Pozharsky enters state trials

The Sevmash Shipyard floated out the strategic nuclear-powered submarine Knyaz Pozharsky on February 3

Further Russian offensive, Ukraine’s losses: situation in Kursk Region

Over the day, the Russian military repelled 2 enemy counterattacks towards the settlements of Zeleny Shlyakh and Lyubimovka, the Defense Ministry reported

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

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

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

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"

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

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."

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

Press review: Zelensky sees nukes as only alternative to NATO and Hamas loses its leader

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, October 18th

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 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

Lavrov slams Kiev’s statements about developing nuclear arsenal as reckless

"You could spend an eternity analyzing what this man and his team say, but we realize that such attempts are in vain, unnecessary, and even counterproductive," the top Russian diplomat stressed

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

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

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

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

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

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

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"

Russian Su-25 attack aircraft destroy Ukrainian armor in borderline Kursk area

After the Su-25 attack aircraft conducted their sorties, the ground personnel carried out maintenance work, the report 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

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

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

Russia repels two Ukrainian counterattacks in Rabotino, Kamenskoye

According to the report, the Russian Armed Forces also continued their offensive in the Vremevsky area

Russia pushing to reorient transport flows to reliable partners — Putin

The Northern Sea Route and the International North-South Transport Corridor are among Russia’s flagship projects, the head of state pointed out

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"

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

Biden warns of 'difficult winter' in Ukraine conflict

At the same time, the US leader promised to provide Kiev with support

China never supplied lethal weapons to Russia or Ukraine — Foreign Ministry

Mao Ning stated that China would take all necessary measures to protect the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese businesses and citizens

Sinwar’s killing may complicate ceasefire in Gaza — WP

According to the newspaper, "the answers to those questions will determine" the prospects for implementing the ceasefire plan

US provocations, Ukraine: Putin's remarks to BRICS media leaders

According to the Russian leader, Western countries, led by the United States, have caused the ongoing Ukrainian crisis and have started the war back in 2014

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

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"

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

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"

Putin intends to hold 17 bilateral meetings at BRICS summit

Presidential Aide Yury Ushakov earlier reported that approximately 20 meetings were on Putin's agenda at the BRICS summit

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

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"

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

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

BRICS share in global GDP already exceeds G7 share and continues to grow — Putin

The Russian leader underscored that the joint work of BRICS to accelerate socio-economic growth and ensure sustainable development brings tangible results

Magnitude 5.0 earthquake strikes off US coast

There have been no reports of casualties or damage

Trump rightly blames Zelensky for Ukraine conflict breaking out — Medvedev

Earlier, in an interview with the PBD podcast, Trump said that Zelensky was responsible for the conflict breaking out and should have prevented it

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

FATF will not blacklist Russia, expert says

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

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

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

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

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"

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"

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

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

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

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

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

Zelensky's 'Victory Plan' plays on West's desire to defeat Russia — Lavrov

"We will not accept any option for Ukraine to remain in a position when it is used by the West in order to impose direct threats to Russia," the Russian Foreign Minister said

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

Russia successfully test-fires Kalibr cruise missile in Arkhangelsk region — top brass

The missile firing area was closed to civilian shipping and flights in advance by ships from the Kola Flotilla and the Northern Fleet’s hydrographic ships

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

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

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

Economic growth to be in Russia, China, India and Saudi Arabia — Putin

"Forming of new centers of development" is the sign of time, the Russian leader underlined

Zelensky's 'Victory Plan' speaks to his wishful thinking — expert

According to Wang Wen, the motivation for ending the conflict should be based on both sides' consensus on the goals of a ceasefire and compromise in their mutual interests

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

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

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

Kiev working on dirty bomb, Medvedev warns

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

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"

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

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

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

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

Russia hammers Ukrainian military-industrial sector, energy sites over week

Russian troops liberated five communities in the Donbass area and the Zaporozhye Region over the week, the ministry reported