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Middle East conflict

Hamas rejects proposal for temporary ceasefire in Gaza — media

According to the radicals' spokesman, "the proposals put forward do not meet the urgent humanitarian needs of the Palestinian people"

CAIRO, November 1. /TASS/. The Palestinian Hamas movement has rejected the initiative proposed by mediators in indirect talks with Israel on a temporary ceasefire and the exchange of a limited number of hostages for Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails, stating that the proposal does not fulfill the fundamental demands of the radical group, according to the Palestinian Maan news agency, which is close to Hamas.

According to the radicals' spokesman, "the proposals put forward do not meet the urgent humanitarian needs of the Palestinian people, nor do they include the restoration of infrastructure or the resumption of normal operations at the crossings, especially the Rafah crossing on Gaza's border with Egypt." He stated that Hamas, familiar with the mediators' ideas, reiterated its position that the Palestinians "seek a permanent ceasefire, a complete withdrawal of [Israeli] occupation troops from the Strip and the lifting of the siege on the enclave, the return of displaced persons to their homes, and a comprehensive agreement to exchange" hostages for Palestinian prisoners.

On October 29, Hamas announced that it was ready "for all ceasefire proposals" in the Gaza Strip, but only if they meet its demands. Hamas said in a special statement that it "is open to any deal or ideas that ends the suffering of our people in Gaza."

Earlier, Maan reported that at a recent meeting in Qatar, mediators discussed an expanded version of Egypt's proposed preliminary agreement between Hamas and Israel, which includes establishing a 48-hour truce in exchange for the release of four Israeli hostages. According to the Egyptian proposal, Israel would need to release 10 Palestinian prisoners for each hostage. However, the version agreed upon by Qatari and US representatives refers to a partial deal that involves a longer truce period and the transfer of more hostages, specifically women and the elderly.

The Axios portal quoted Israeli officials as saying that US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Director William Burns has proposed a new format for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip at the Doha talks, including a 28-day truce and the exchange of eight hostages for dozens of Palestinian prisoners.

US Presidential Election 2024

US to hold 60th election of president, vice president on Tuesday

Election results must be officially certified in states by December 19

PREVIEW: Putin to lay flowers at monument on Red Square to mark National Unity Day

Representatives of religious denominations, public and youth organizations will take part in the ceremon

Sandu is winning in 2nd round of Moldovan presidential elections with 55.04% — CEC

Votes at a number of polling stations abroad are yet to be counted

Press review: Lavrov embarks on EU visit and Russia permits individual crypto mining

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, November 1st

Russian diplomat says Ukraine took back just 279 POWs, although 935 were offered

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova called such actions of the Kiev regime "political tourism on the blood of its own citizens, its own servicemen"

Kremlin spokesman says he cannot recall Putin ever talking to Kamala Harris

"When Russian President Vladimir Putin met with US President Joe Biden, Mrs. Harris was not in Geneva," Dmitry Peskov said

FACTBOX: Russian government sets up requirements for cryptocurrency mining

The law introduced the definition of mining, a set of security requirements, and the possibility of trading digital financial assets on special platforms

Putin participates in Russia’s strategic deterrence force training

The Russian president observed the drills from the Kremlin’s situational center

Thai Airways exploring opportunity to open scheduled air service with Russia

The deputy governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand also pointed to the increasing of air fares, linking it with the rise of air transportation costs, comprising fuel prices, airport service costs, inflation

Russia is not going to attack Poland, Baltics, Ukraine through Belarus rule — Lukashenko

The Belarusian President called for building relations in a neighborly manner

Syrsky admits Ukraine faces one of strongest Russian offensives since 2022

"Active combat operations that continue in certain directions require constant renewal of resources," the Ukrainian Commander-in-Chief said

NATO undecided on intercepting projectiles over Ukraine — top Polish diplomat

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk earlier said that Warsaw and its NATO partners will discuss the possibility of taking down projectiles over western parts of Ukraine near the Polish border

Kiev may look at Qatar-mediated agreement with Russia on non-targeting energy facilities

According to Andrey Yermak, a principle like the one of the grain deal could be used in this context, but no talks between Kiev and Moscow are being held at the moment

Malaysia rejects US call to 'stop being friendly' with Russia — PM

Anwar Ibrahim said the call came during a meeting with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on the sidelines of the 19th East Asia Summit in Laos

Ukrainian ombudsman asks Russia to provide lists of Ukrainians POWs for exchange

Dmitry Lubinets contacted his Russian counterpart Tatyana Moskalkova

Missile engine blast at testing site in northern Russia kills two

A rise of the radiation level was registered

Attacks on reserves and Ukrainian losses: situation in Kursk Region

The Ukrainian armed forces lost over 150 troops in the Kursk area in the past day

Russia’s Medvedev cautions next US leader against adding fuel to fire in Ukraine

The politician doubted the deep state in the United States wants another global war

BRICS countries dominate world economy — official

He pointed to the improved quality of life in the BRICS countries, the birth rate among the key factors and noted other demographic and socio-economic reasons

Press review: Turkey to mediate in Russian-Ukrainian conflict while IDF strikes Gaza

Top stories from the Russian press on Saturday, November 2nd

Sandu wins Moldova's elections with 55.33% of votes, Stoianoglo gains 44.67%

In total, 1,699,025 people came to the polling stations in Moldova and abroad, which is more than 54.31% of the people included in the electoral lists. In the second round of the 2020 presidential elections, this figure reached 58.22%

Former CIA, Pentagon chief describes incursion into Kursk as Kiev’s ‘strategic mistake’

In Robert Gates opinion, Russia is capable of continuing its special military operation in Ukraine until it decides that its goals are met, and underestimating its ability to carry on "is a huge mistake"

For US losing dollar as a standard of settlements would be like losing a war, Trump says

The Republican presidential candidate criticized the current US administration for allowing the unification of Russia, China, Iran, the DPRK and a number of other countries into one group

Western military assistance to Ukraine tops 100 bln euros — minister

Ukraine regularly asks for additional military assistance from its Western partners, occasionally criticizing them for delays and insufficient amount of supplies

FACTBOX: Vladimir Putin and his pets

The list of the Russian leader's pets also includes a white goat, a white female reindeer and a falabella pony, one of the smallest horse breeds in the world

Ukrainian Armed Forces fire around 80 rounds of ammunition at Belgorod Region

It was noted that during the day three apartment buildings, 17 private houses, 23 cars, 8 outbuildings, and five commercial facilities were damaged

US to deploy additional forces to Middle East — Pentagon

Pentagon spokesman Patrick Ryder added that these forces will begin to arrive in the Middle East in coming months

Chinese defense ministry blames NATO for wars in Afghanistan, Iraq, Ukraine

In recent years, NATO has continued to "spread its evil hooks" into the Asia-Pacific region, Zhang Xiaogang said

Kremlin aide sees continued Western attempts to drive Russia away from Black Sea

Nikolay Patrushev stressed how important it was "to determine not only the promising tactical-technical characteristics of warships and their weapons but also to ensure the balance of forces that make up the combat power of the fleet and means of supporting them"

Russian diplomat slams US for violating obligations on media pluralism

Maria Zakharova stressed that "the illustrative action was aimed at unambiguously demonstrating the country’s readiness to use its repressive machinery at any moment in order to shut down access to the information that it finds inconvenient"

Prosecutor's Office deems activities of US-based business society undesirable in Russia

The international company incorporated in the United States has been engaged in promoting the policies of unfriendly states regarding the Russian-Ukrainian conflict and actively supports the LGBT community, the Russian Prosecutor General's Office explained

US warns it won’t be able to restrain Israel if Iran attacks — report

An Israeli official said the message was passed from Washington to Tehran through the Swiss

Fencing installed around Harris’ residence in Washington ahead of election

Apart from that, additional fencing will be installed around the US Capitol and the US Department of the Treasury in Washington

Russian Air Defense Forces shot down four HIMARS missiles, Hammer bomb, 42 Ukrainian UAVs

Russia’s East battlegroup improves its position, Ukraine loses up to 110 servicemen

US-led coalition aircraft violate Syrian airspace eight times in past day

Apart from that, in his words, as many as 5,175 people crossed Syria’s border from Lebanon via the checkpoints of Al-Arida, Al-Jawasiyeh, Al-Dabousiyah, Jisr Qamar, and Jdaidet Yabous during the past day

Ukrainians do not want war with Russia, but US keeps them trapped — expert

According to Professor Ruhollah Modabber, Washington has effectively banned free elections in Ukraine

Ukraine lost 6,000 more fighters on LPR borders in one month than in September

During this period the Russian Armed Forces destroyed 746 vehicles, 365 various armored vehicles, 61 tanks, 12 launchers of multiple launch rocket systems

Ten years after Leviathan. What's new in Teriberka

Over recent four years, the Murmansk Region has been a developing actively film production region: the authorities have created a support center, started training professionals, and introduced a rebate system (where the region's budget reimburses for part of production costs)

Putin meets with visiting North Korean foreign minister — Kremlin spokesman

On November 1, Choe Son Hui held talks with her Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov

Germany ‘shamefully resigned’ itself to destruction of Nord Stream — Lavrov

Lavrov also drew attention to the fact that "reckless proposals" are being made about strikes with Western long-range systems deep into Russian territory

Ukrainian forces lose 11,800 soldiers on LPR borders in a week — military expert

During the mentioned period, the Russian military destroyed 196 vehicles, 89 various armored vehicles, five tanks, three multiple launch rocket system launchers

Economic sanctions against Russia not working — top Hungarian diplomat

As an example, he cited Europe’s continuing purchases of Russian liquified natural gas and Russian uranium supplies to the United States for the production of fuel for US nuclear plants

Moldova’s opposition to challenge presidential election results with Constitutional Court

According to Sor, the opposition has evidence of massive ballot rigging in favor of the incumbent president during the presidential election

Kursk region will be cleared of Ukrainian forces — Putin

He added that victory is impossible without volunteers who support the fighters at the front

Putin to accept letters of credentials from 28 new ambassadors on November 5

The ceremony will also be attended by representatives from Argentina, Italy, Spain, New Zealand, Ireland, Denmark, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Finland

Total losses of Ukrainian forces in Russia’s Kursk Region reach over 29,600 servicemen

Meanwhile, over the past 24 hours, the Ukrainian Armed Forces have lost over 350 servicemen

Nord Stream 2 completed, Trump's statements about its destruction unclear — Kremlin

Earlier, in an interview with journalist Tucker Carlson, Donald Trump strongly denied Democrats' claims that he has ties with Russia, recalling that he blocked the construction of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline

Georgian opposition plans to disrupt first session of newly-elected parliament

He called on the opposition to hold a rally on November 21, when the Central Electoral Commission is to release the final protocol of the parliamentary election

Israeli minister’s suggestion of nuclear strike on Gaza raises questions — Russian MFA

Maria Zakharova stressed that such statements by Israeli officials shed light on the true reasons why Tel Aviv was opposing the establishment of a nuclear-weapon-free zone in the Middle East

PREVIEW: Second round of presidential elections to take place in Moldova

former Prosecutor General Alexandr Stoianoglo criticized President Maia Sandu’s policy of confrontation with Moscow

Events in Bangladesh show similarities with color revolutions — Indian expert

According to Melkulangara Bhadrakumar, "these developments signifying the ascendance of Anglo-American influence in the highly strategic Bay of Bengal region are a setback for both India and Russia — and China"

Russian forces destroy US-made Stryker armored fighting vehicle in Kharkov Region

The target was attacked by an FPV drone, the Russian Defense Ministry said

Attempts to destroy Iran’s nuclear capacity may expand conflict — top Turkish diplomat

According to Fidan, Israel continues to put forward conditions in talks with the Palestinian movement Hamas

Kiev's violation of agreements means less territory for Ukraine — Lavrov

The Russian foreign minister also recalled the Istanbul agreements

Russian stock market indices growing on Saturday — market data

The MOEX Russia Index surged by 0.76% to 2,594.38 points, the RTS Index edged up by 0.65% to 837.81 points

Google’s fines in Russia reach stratospheric levels — lawyer

Google can return to the Russian market only if it complies with the court’s decision

Moldova’s presidential runoff can be considered valid — CEC

Turnout in the second round has amounted to 54.18%

Medvedev sees West waging real war on Russia in Ukraine

"Our current adversaries argue that they have a right to send any weapons to Ukraine or that they have a right to dispatch their advisors to consult on how to conduct hostilities," the Russian Security Council deputy chairman said

Trump catches up with Harris in latest poll before election — The New York Post poll

Both candidates have received 49% support among likely voters, with 2% saying they would back another candidate

Industrial facility suffers damage in Ukraine’s Dnepropetrovsk Region

Meanwhile, explosions have been reported in the Ukrainian capital of Kiev and the Kirovograd Region

US authorizes energy transactions for Russian banks

Energy-related transactions are understood as all the transactions related to production, refining, processing, transportation and purchase of oil

Russians split on idea of Lenin's reburial, poll finds

According to the survey, 55% of Russians said that the decision on the further stay of Lenin's body in the Mausoleum should not be rushed, while another 32% said that "it is better to make a decision in the very near future"

Russian forces liberate settlement of Vishnyovoye in Donetsk People’s Republic

US, EU cannot accept that more countries pick path of sovereignty — Russian lawmaker

Leonid Slutsky believes that the Georgians voted not for a pro-Russian course, but for the interests of their own country and independence

Kiev wants to exchange only militants from its nationalist battalions — Russian diplomat

According to Maria Zakharova, Kiev is also "interested in the fate of foreign mercenaries who took part in combat operations against Russia"

NATO intends to fight ‘defensive battles’ thousands of miles from its territory — Lavrov

According to Lavrov, all reasonable observers understand "that this is a road to nowhere".

Ukrainian lawmaker Bezuglaya calls out ‘catastrophic situation’ in country’s army

Maryana Bezuglaya accused Commander-in-Chief Alexander Syrsky for his alleged failure of the military operation in Russia’s borderline Kursk area and the complicated situation in the southern directions of the frontline

Putin signs law on regulation of digital currency turnover in Russia

The law gives the Russian government the right to prohibit digital currency mining in specific regions or in their individual territories, as well as to determine the procedure and cases for introducing such restrictions

Azerbaijan, Iran hold joint naval drills in Caspian Sea

The ministry said earlier that the drills involved two ships and more than 100 servicemen of the Azerbaijani Navy

Russian rights activist points to change in American people’s minds

Konstantin Yaroshenko noted that signs of the American people’s dissatisfaction with the country’s domestic and foreign policies had been clear for over ten years

Press review: Russia strengthens nuclear triad while Ukraine awaits US strike approval

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, October 30th

US citizen who shared data on Ukrainian military with Russian army wants to stay in Russia

Daniel Martindale noted that after peace is restored, he would like to go back to farming

New Russian combat equipment in 2024

Southern sector of Ukrainian defense in DPR close to collapse — The Guardian

Kupiansk military-civilian mayor Andrey Besedin described the situation as "critical" and said that approximately 1,400 people were refusing to evacuate from their homes, awaiting the arrival of Russian troops

US to hold 60th election of president, vice president on Tuesday

Election results must be officially certified in states by December 19

Plane with 103 Russian POWs lands near Moscow

They were swapped for 103 Ukrainian POWs

Moscow bars over 130 Australians from entering Russia — Foreign Ministry

The decision was made "in response to the Australian government's politically motivated sanctions against Russian individuals and entities, imposed as part of the Russophobic campaign of the ‘collective West’"

Over 78 mln US citizens vote early in presidential election — Florida State University

According to the report, more than 42.6 million people attended polling stations

Putin plans to discusses rural development with government

The Minister of Agriculture Oksana Lut and the Governor of the Altai Territory Viktor Tomenko will make a report

Press review: Putin highlights GDP growth while the Russian military claims top rank

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, October 29th

Opposition rally near parliamentary building in Tbilisi ends without incidents

President Zourabichvili and all the opposition parties refuse to recognize the election results, slamming them as rigged

Syria demands UNSC take measures to stop Israel’s attacks

A source in the Syrian defense ministry told the agency earlier that Israel had staged an attack from the occupied Golan Heights on Monday evening

Russian diplomat slams Moldova’s election as most undemocratic in country’s history

The outcome of the runoff presidential election "exposed a profound split in Moldovan society, which began after the first round of election and the referendum on European Union membership," Maria Zakharova noted

Medvedev says any new uprising in Ukraine would seek to execute current leaders

The Russian politician said the goal of Zelensky and his team is to stay in power in the country as long as possible

Trump holds three-point lead over Harris, latest poll shows

The survey was conducted among more than 12,500 likely US voters from October 10 to 29

Israel hits Hezbollah intelligence headquarters near Damascus — IDF

According to the IDF, Hezbollah's intelligence headquarters has a branch in Syria, "which includes an independent intelligence gathering, coordination, and assessment network."

West itself signed death warrant for dollar, turning it into punishment tool — Lavrov

At the same time, the volume of mutual settlements in national currencies in foreign trade between the BRICS member countries reaches around 65%

Ukraine admits number of deserted soldiers from Armed Forces of Ukraine surpasses 100,000

Earlier, military lawyer from the Center for Support of Veterans and Their Families Roman Likhachev said that more than 100,000 servicemen had voluntarily left their units

Crowds throw mud at Spanish king during visit to flood zone

As a result, the king's visit to Paiporta was cut short

Shipbuilders float out latest Project 22870 rescue tug for Russian Navy

The Project 22870 rescue tug Mikhail Chekhov engineered by the Vympel Design Bureau in Nizhny Novgorod in the Volga area is designed to render assistance to ships in distress and rescue personnel, tow vessels and extinguish fires on affected ships and onshore facilities

Russian-North Korean partnership treaty called to stabilize region — Russian diplomat

"The treaty’s provisions, including article 4 on mutual support in case of an armed incursion, will be fully implemented, if need be," Anna Yevstigneyeva said

BRICS to consider expanding group in 2025 — Lavrov

"Criteria for the partner country category will be agreed upon," the Russian Foreign Minister said

Hezbollah fires 105 rockets from Lebanon at Israel on November 3 — IFD

The army "will continue to protect Israel and its people from threats" from Hezbollah, the press service noted

Moscow calls on Seoul to refrain from sending weapons to Ukraine — diplomat

"We call on our South Korean colleague to think twice and not to embark on this extremely dangerous path, which will lead Seoul to nothing good", Anna Yevstigneyeva said

Austria accepts terms of payment for Russian gas in rubles — Chancellor

On March 23, the Russian president ordered that unfriendly states must pay for Russian gas in rubles

Final poll by NBC shows equal support for Harris, Trump in US presidential election

Both candidates are being supported by 49% of registered voters with merely 2% remaining undecided

Ghost town of Pripyat after Chernobyl disaster

On April 26, 1986, the fourth reactor of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant exploded causing the world's worst nuclear disaster

Rheinmetall plant in Ukraine Russia's legitimate military target — Kremlin

Earlier, Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger announced that the company was opening a plant in Ukraine specializing in the repair and production of armored vehicles

Russia bans entry to 9 New Zealand Defense Ministry, armed forces officials

Given that "Wellington does not intend to abandon its anti-Russian policy and continues to introduce new sanction measures, work on updating the Russian stop list will continue," the ministry said

NATO number one threat to global peace, says French politician

It is stted that NATO considers the EU as "a registration office of its members"

Iran has hundreds of missiles capable of inflicting severe damage Israel — WSJ

The article states that the Israeli attack has compromised the air defense systems protecting key Iranian facilities