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Middle East conflict

Updated at:

Netanyahu arrives in Gaza, offers $5 mln for each released hostage

"The choice is in your hands, but the result will be the same," the prime minister said

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Gil Cohen-Magen/Pool Photo via AP, File

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

© Gil Cohen-Magen/Pool Photo via AP, File

TEL AVIV, November 19. /TASS/. Israel is ready to pay $5 million for every hostage that is freed from the hands of Hamas, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said while touring the Gaza Strip.

"I am telling those [Palestinians] who want to get out of this situation: anyone who hands over a hostage to us, we will ensure a safe exit. To him and his family. We will also offer a remuneration of $5 million for each hostage released. The choice is in your hands, but the result will be the same. We will bring everyone home," he said in a video address released by his office.

He once again stressed that Israel is set to uproot all Hamas structures in the Palestinian enclave. "There will be no Hamas in Gaza any longer. Anyone who dares to harm our hostages will pay with their life. We will hunt you down and we will get you," he warned.

Tensions flared up again in the Middle East on October 7 after militants from the Gaza Strip-based radical Palestinian group Hamas launched a surprise incursion on Israeli territory, killing many Israeli kibbutz residents living near the Gaza border and abducting more than 240 Israelis, including women, children and the elderly. Israel declared a total blockade of the Gaza Strip and launched bombardments of the enclave and some areas in Lebanon and Syria, as well as a ground operation against Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Clashes are also reported in the West Bank.

According to the latest data from the Israeli side, radicals are still holding 101 hostages.

Serbian president calls for talks on Ukraine amid nuclear escalation threats

He warned that further escalation is fraught with a "full-scale nuclear conflict"

China’s new microwave weapon can scorch low-orbit satellites — expert

Engineers from China have surmounted obstacles and built a system consisting of seven emitting devices and their experimental firings have confirmed that it can effectively suppress signals of the US GPS and other satellites," Alexander Stepanov said

Ukraine will not compromise on territorial rights, Zelensky tells Rada

On June 14, Russian President Vladimir Putin outlined the country’s conditions for resolving the situation in Ukraine, including the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from Donbass and Novorossiya, and Ukraine renouncing its NATO membership ambitions

West’s decision on missile strikes gives Russia free hand to attack NATO bases — expert

According to Dmitry Suslov, retaliatory measures may include the handover of more advanced weapons to the forces "that are directly fighting against the US, particularly, in the Middle East"

Lavrov arrives at G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stated that Sergey Lavrov will address sessions on combating inequality, hunger, and poverty, as well as on the reform of global institutions

FACTBOX: Central Bank chief’s statement in State Duma

The national economy is in the "breaking point" and inflation slowdown can be expected in coming months

G20 leaders adopt Rio de Janeiro Summit Declaration

The declaration does not contain any remarks that the statement was not approved by all countries

ATACMS strikes on Bryansk Region sign West wants escalation — Lavrov

The top Russian diplomat recalled that the Russian leader had warned Western countries how Russia’s position would change if "this range of weapons that we are now talking about, i.e. up to 300 kilometers, is approved"

Russia could deploy new weapons if Ukraine hits Russia with US missiles, warns senior MP

"It is not out of the question that new weapons systems, which have not yet been used against Ukraine, could be employed," Vyacheslav Volodin said

Case against Georgian mercenary, prisoners, Ukrainian losses: situation in Kursk Region

Twenty-four Ukrainian servicemen surrendered as prisoners of war over the past day

Press review: Biden OKs long-range missile use as backlash to Scholz’s Putin call grows

Top stories from the Russian press on Monday, November 18th

German defense minister says wrong time to discuss peace in Ukraine

Boris Pistorius claimed that Chancellor Olaf Scholz's phone call to Russian President Vladimir Putin did not affect Moscow's position

Lavrov says EU goes through deep crisis as more countries refuse to support US policies

The minister mentioned the import duties that the EU imposed on cheaper and higher-quality electric cars from China, as well as the purchases of low-quality Ukrainian grain to the detriment of its own farmers and consumers

G20 leaders call for reform of UN Security Council

The leaders also called to increase the role of the Economic and Social Council

US senator labels Biden’s approval for ATACMS strikes on Russia as unconstitutional

The New York Times reported on November 17 that US President Joe Biden had authorized the use of US-supplied ATACMS tactical ballistic missiles for strikes inside Russia

UN concerned about possible escalation amid Ukrainian strike on Bryansk

"The UN has always expressed our concern about the escalation and <…> the fact that this conflict is even continuing, let alone escalating," UN secretary-general’s spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said

Decision on strikes inside Russia seals US puppet Zelensky’s fate — commentator

The New York Times reported earlier, citing sources, that US President Joe Biden had authorized the use of US-made ATACMS tactical ballistic missiles for strikes inside Russia

US authorization of strikes inside Russia unlikely to change course of conflict — media

"The Ukrainian military has a limited supply of the missiles and firing a small number at targets in Russia would not make much of a difference," the analysts say

Russia must be able to defend itself — Erdogan on revised nuclear doctrine

The Turkish leader reiterated that "both Russia and Ukraine are Turkey’s neighbors"

FACTBOX: What we know about disbanding of opposition protest in Tbilisi

Georgian opposition leaders have been demonstrating against the results of the parliamentary election since November 4

West fails to bring Ukrainian issue to forefront of G20 summit agenda — Lavrov

The Russian foreign minister stressed that "no one from the countries of the world majority, the Global South, supported it"

Xi Jinping, Putin lay foundation for next level of strategic partnership — top diplomat

According to Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Beijing "is ready to work with Russia to further strengthen cooperation and cohesion"

Lebanon, Hezbollah endorse US-backed ceasefire proposal with Israel

Aide Ali Hassan Khalil indicated that the next steps depend entirely on Israel, describing the ongoing efforts to secure a ceasefire as the most significant and serious to date

Strikes on Ukrainian military sites to prevent launch of missiles — Russian lawmaker

According to Andrey Kartapolov, Russia "will definitely" respond to such a decision by Western countries

Abkhazian parliament accepts resignation of republic’s president

Following talks between the government and the opposition that lasted from Monday night to Tuesday morning, Aslan Bzhania submitted his resignation "in order to preserve stability and constitutional order in the country"

Russia’s special military operation to continue — Kremlin

According to Dmitry Peskov, the special military operation is taking longer because it started against the Kiev regime and is continuing as a war between Russia and NATO

UN’s Guterres calls to avoid escalation amid reports of US greenlighting strikes at Russia

The White House declined to confirm that permission for such strikes had been granted

Russian medical institutions receive first homemade osteosynthesis implants

A trial batch of Russia's first bioresorbable rods was sent to hospitals in St. Petersburg, Moscow and Novosibirsk

Russian army traps Ukrainian troops in Chasov Yar — intelligence center

The official reported that fighters from the 98th Airborne Division were engaged in fierce battles

Six European countries accuse Russia of allegedly attacking security architecture

"Moscow's escalating hybrid activities against NATO and EU countries are unprecedented in their variety and scale," the statement reads

Russia says its forces downed 5 ATACMS missiles that Ukraine fired into Bryansk Region

According to the report, the missiles fell on the technical territory of a military site in the Bryansk Region, causing a fire, which was extinguished

Cable rupture in Baltic Sea caused by sabotage, German defense minister believes

Boris Pistorius is not "inclined to accept the explanation that the damage was caused by an anchor hitting the cable"

US State Department doesn’t confirm permission for deeper ATACMS strikes inside Russia

"I'm not going to speak to or confirm any policy changes," Matthew Miller, a State Department spokesman told a news conference

US-made projectile strikes to destroy ties between Moscow, Washington — Duma speaker

Vyacheslav Volodin added that these weapons "may cause damage but it will not change the situation on the battlefield"

US is now at war with Russia, Ritter says

According to former US intelligence officer Scott Ritter, the United States "is a direct party to the invasion and occupation of Russian soil," because it helped Kiev plan its incursion into the Kursk Region

Biden’s decisions pushing world to global war, Hungary’s top diplomat says

"Two months, the most dangerous in decades, are ahead of us," Peter Szijjarto noted

President of Abkhazia Bzhania resigns

Aslan Bzhania filed a resignation "for the purpose of preservation of stability and constitutional order in the country"

Russia has no plans to ‘tango on its own’ in relations with US — Kremlin spokesman

Dmitry Peskov noted that it wasn’t Moscow but Washington that initiated "the race of sanctions"

Russia’s renewed nuclear doctrine unlikely to alter special mil-op’s nature — senator

The fundamental principle of the doctrine is that the use of nuclear weapons is a measure of last resort to protect the country’s sovereignty

Borrell condemns Russia’s decision to update nuclear doctrine

Earlier on Tuesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree approving the Foundations of State Policy in the Field of Nuclear Deterrence, the country’s updated nuclear doctrine

Russian UAVs strike Zaporozhye infrastructure — official

The Russian Armed Forces carried out the attack at night

New doctrine means Russia can use nuclear weapons in Ukrainian conflict — analyst

"This document means a lot for the Ukrainian conflict," Vladimir Zharikhin noted

Netherlands regrets leak of Biden’s decision on strikes inside Russia

Meanwhile, the Netherlands has repeatedly stated that it imposes no restrictions on the use or range of weapons, including F-16 fighter jets, the country is supplying to Kiev

US State Department confirms US president authorized strikes deep inside Russia

Earlier, US Department of State Spokesperson Matthew Miller declined to comment on reports that Washington had authorized the use of US-made ATACMS tactical ballistic missiles for strikes inside Russia

FACTBOX: Abkhazian opposition, authorities sign agreement, president resigns

TASS compiled main facts about the situation in the country

Kremlin highlights need for in-depth analysis of Russia’s nuclear deterrence policy

"This is a very important document. Clearly, it requires in-depth analysis both in our country and, perhaps, abroad, too," Dmitry Peskov stressed

US military industrial complex seeks to unleash World War III — Donald Trump Jr.

"The Military Industrial Complex seems to want to make sure they get World War 3 going before my father has a chance to create peace and save lives," he said

Russian forces advance 1.5 km in Novoselka area of DPR — official

Vladimir Rogov added that Velikaya Novoselka is a major logistics hub for the Ukrainian armed forces

Biden’s missile strike decision complicates Trump’s Russia policy amid growing tensions

According to expert Zheng Renyi, "if Trump stops aid, he will face strong domestic criticism for appearing weak and will likely lose support, especially from Republican hawks who back Ukraine"

Lavrov hopes West will read Russia's updated nuclear doctrine 'in its entirety'

Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Tuesday that Russia’s updated nuclear doctrine stipulates a potential nuclear strike in response to Ukraine’s use of Western-made conventional missiles against Russia

US approving strikes inside Russia not to alter outcome of conflict — Polish minister

Defense Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz added that this decision needed to be made much earlier to have any impact on the battlefield situation

Borrell confirms US greenlit deeper strikes inside Russia

According to the diplomat, EU foreign ministers discussed the issue at their meeting

Georgian president calls for new parliamentary elections

Salome Zourabichvili has also called on citizens to continue protesting the results of the October 26 parliamentary elections

FACTBOX: What is known about Russian nuclear deterrence policy

The first Russian nuclear doctrine was ratified and published by decree of Russian President Vladimir Putin on April 21, 2000

Lavrov cannot confirm media reports about US decision to allow attacks deep into Russia

"Even [EU foreign policy chief Josep] Borrell officially said that the Europeans discussed the issue, but decided that everyone will decide for themselves whether or not to supply their long-range missiles to Ukraine," the Russian foreign minister added

Russian troops liberate Novoalekseyevka community in Donbass region over past day

Russia’s Battlegroup Dnepr inflicted roughly 70 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed a US-made counterbattery radar station in its area of responsibility over the past day

Putin proclaims Odessa Russian city, challenges Ukraine's historical narrative

At the same time, the president noted that once upon a time "Vladimir Lenin gave away the whole of Ukraine when he created the Soviet Union"

Putin approves Russia’s revised nuclear doctrine

The fundamental principle of the doctrine is that the use of nuclear weapons is a measure of last resort to protect the country’s sovereignty

Zelensky asserts intention to use long-range ATACMS for strikes on Russia

Earlier, the Russian Defense Ministry said that on Monday night into Tuesday, Ukraine attacked Russia’s borderline Bryansk Region with six ATACMS missiles

Scholz to stick to his guns, vows not to send Taurus missiles to Ukraine

"This is something for which I cannot and do not want to bear responsibility for," he added

PREVIEW: Progress MS-27 to leave ISS to free up space for new cargo spacecraft

The spacecraft will engage its engines, which will allow it to leave the ISS orbit and enter the Earth atmosphere after a while

Israel holds Iraq responsible for actions of pro-Iranian militias — Foreign Minister

Gideon Sa’ar said that he has sent a letter to the President of the UN Security Council

Russia adapts its nuclear doctrine to modern realities — Kremlin

Earlier on Tuesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree approving the Foundations of State Policy in the Field of Nuclear Deterrence, the country’s updated nuclear doctrine

Zelensky presents 10-point plan about country's future to Rada, omits several key points

The plan’s ten points are unity, the front, weapons, finance, energy, security, local governance, human capital, "cultural sovereignty," and social assistance to the military

Russian president to visit India — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov noted that preparations for the visit which is of a great significance for Moscow will kick off soon

Up to allies to decide whether or not to authorize strikes inside Russia — NATO chief

"I would generally say let’s not communicate too much and not make our adversaries more wise than is necessary," Mark Rutte added

Training Ukrainian troops makes France direct participant in combat — top Russian diplomat

"The same goes for talk about using French-made SCALP missiles [in Ukraine] which are identical to the UK’s Storm Shadow," Sergey Lavrov noted

US Department of State not commenting on other states’ decisions on strikes inside Russia

Earlier, Matthew Miller confirmed that the United States has authorized the use of US-made ATACMS tactical ballistic missiles

Kiev won’t benefit from permission to strike Russia due to manpower shortage — expert

According to Jennifer Kavanagh, the decision to allow attacks on Russian territory won’t change the course of hostilities in the special military operation zone as Ukraine has no significant stockpiles of ATACMS tactical ballistic missiles

Kremlin spokesman highlights need for ‘two-way process’ of sanctions lifting

US Senator Marco Rubio, who has been nominated for secretary of state by President-elect Donald Trump, was put on a Russian sanctions list in May 2022 and on China’s list in August 2020

Top Iranian diplomat urges to 'prepare for war'

"We have announced that the recent Israeli operation against Iran is nothing but another aggression," Abbas Araghchi pointed out

Russian air defenses destroy seven Ukrainian drones over Bryansk Region

There were no reported casualties or destruction and emergency response services are working at the scene, Alexander Bogomaz said

Russia’s updated nuclear doctrine released on schedule, says Kremlin

Earlier today, President Vladimir Putin signed a decree ratifying the updated nuclear doctrine, Basic Principles of State Policy of the Russian Federation on Nuclear Deterrence

Giving Kiev Taurus missiles tantamount to declaring war on Russia — German politician

Sahra Wagenknecht pointed out that the US decision to strike deep into Russia is another step towards a major war

Biden’s decision to allow strikes on Russia fails to unite allies around Kiev — Bloomberg

The German leadership declined to follow the US’ example on long-range missiles, the news agency recalled

Ukrainian losses, captives, aid to civilians: situation in Kursk Region

Russian tactical and operational/tactical aircraft, missile forces hit enemy manpower and equipment in the Kursk and Sumy regions, the Defense Ministry reported

Kremlin says decision to launch ATACMS missiles deep into Russia 'escalation of tensions'

Moscow's position should be absolutely clear to everyone, Dmitry Peskov pointed out

Amendments to Russia’s nuclear doctrine practically formulated, Kremlin Spokesman says

Russia will view an aggression from a non-nuclear state, carried out with participation or support of a nuclear state as their joint attack

Russia monitors situation in Kursk Region after reports of ATACMS missiles — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov pointed out that "it is hardly possible to be guided by the reports of a TV channel"

Russian troops liberate Novoselidovka community in Donbass region over past day

Russia’s Battlegroup Center inflicted more than 310 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed two enemy armored vehicles over the past day, the ministry reported

Potential adversaries, criteria for use: Russia’s revised nuclear doctrine

Russia will also engage in nuclear deterrence against those countries that offer their territory, maritime zones, airspace, and resources for aggression against it

Rising stakes and escalation: Reaction to US decision on strikes inside Russia

Russian President Vladimir Putin has already clarified his position on US long-range missile attacks on targets inside Russia, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova commented

Moscow’s response to strikes with Western arms on Russian soil to be felt — diplomat

The New York Times reported on November 17 that US President Joe Biden had authorized the use of US-supplied ATACMS tactical ballistic missiles for strikes inside Russia

Lukashenko tells Putin situation is "starting to get tense with Wagner"

The Belarusian leader noted that they want to go to Warsaw

Russia may retaliate with nuclear weapons if Kiev uses Western-made missiles — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov highlighted the nuclear doctrine’s provisions that "aggression against the Russian Federation by any non-nuclear state with the participation or support of a nuclear state is viewed as their joint attack"

Press review: Russian air defenses can down Western missiles as EU conducts live exercise

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, November 19th

US Congressman urges to impeach Biden for allowing strikes deep into Russia

"By authorizing long range missiles to strike inside Russia, Biden is committing an unconstitutional Act of War that endangers the lives of all US citizens," Thomas Massie said

Netanyahu arrives in Gaza, offers $5 mln for each released hostage

"The choice is in your hands, but the result will be the same," the prime minister said

US approval of strikes on Russia derails hopes for peace talks — Slovak PM

"Those who support US President [Joe] Biden's decision are in favor of the start of World War III," Robert Fico noted

Ukraine’s allies doubt impact of US approval of strikes against Russia on conflict balance

According to the media, the Ukrainian army has been losing ground in recent months "amid heavy pressure from more numerous and better-equipped Russian troops"

German defense minister says Ukraine reached parity in shells with Russia

Boris Pistorius noted that just a few months ago, Russia held an advantage in artillery shell stocks

Russia to seek after transparent investigation of Nord Stream terrorist act — Lavrov

The minister explained why the provision of infrastructure protection was added to the declaration

Colombia agrees with Russia to establish group on mercenaries situation — Foreign Minister

Luis Gilberto Murillo underscored that the Colombian authorities want their compatriots not to be involved in any conflicts in the world

Russia’s updated nuclear doctrine mandates permanent readiness of nuclear forces

Both the updated and earlier versions of the document emphasize the existence of "combat-ready forces and means capable of inflicting irreparable damage to a potential adversary in any situation through the secure use of nuclear weapons"

New German government should focus on repairing and reactivating Nord Stream 2 — lawmaker

Sahra Wagenknecht underscored that the pipeline explosions were "a devastating blow to the [German] economy and an act of sabotage targeting German and European infrastructure"

Lavrov lauds Scholz’s refusal to supply Taurus missiles to Ukraine as responsible choice

The Russian foreign minister noted that the German chancellor's stance "differs from the position of the British and the French"

Biden administration tries to prevent Trump from ending war in Ukraine — expert

Wang Wen called the next few months a "high-risk period" in the conflict

Ukraine admits responsibility for Odessa missile incident where civilians injured

Ukrainian blogger Anatoly Shary commented on the statement by saying that Ukraine’s air force officials only agreed to recognize this because "the media started posting photos of Patriot wreckage"

Russia’s revised nuclear doctrine contains 'very important messages' — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov also noted that Russia has consistently maintained a responsible position and taken necessary steps to mitigate the nuclear threat and prevent the worsening of international relations

Governmental commission passes ban on cryptocurrency mining in some regions from December

The office of Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said earlier that the Energy Ministry saw it as prudent to ban the mining of digital currency in areas facing critical regulatory and fiscal parameters

Putin sends message to those seeking to 'add fuel to fire' before Trump’s return — expert

The likelihood of a direct armed conflict with NATO is increasing because some individuals in the alliance are ready to raise the stakes ahead of Trump’s inauguration, Andrey Bystritsky emphasized