Israeli parliamentarians call on military to destroy food, water and power sources in Gaza

Israeli strikes have massacred at least 100 Palestinians, including 35 children, across the war-torn Gaza Strip, marking the latest violation of the ceasefire between Hamas and the occupying entity.

In a statement on Wednesday, Gaza's Civil Defense spokesman Mahmoud Basal reported the latest deaths as Israeli warplanes continued to carry out intense air raids on the central and northern areas of Rafah in southern parts of the besieged Palestinian territory.

“In less than twelve hours, Israeli occupation forces have committed horrific massacres against civilians in the Gaza Strip, killing more than 100 people, including around 35 children, documented crimes that add to the ongoing record of violations against our people,” the official said.

Israeli airstrikes battered Gaza City, Khan Yunis, and central refugee camps, striking homes, tents, and a hospital courtyard. Medics warned the death toll would likely climb, with many critically injured and others trapped under rubble. After nearly 12 hours of intense bombing, Israel claimed it was reinstating the ceasefire at 10 a.m. local time (8 a.m. GMT).

“These massacres are being carried out before the eyes of mediators and the international community, which remains silent and incapable of taking any real steps to stop the ongoing bloodshed that has continued for more than two years,” Basal added.

Israel, which routinely strikes Gaza in violation of the ceasefire, blamed Hamas for breaching the agreement, claiming the group attacked Israeli troops in Rafah on Tuesday, which killed one soldier.

Hamas rejects the accusation, blaming Tel Aviv for the violation of the shaky truce.

A young Indian expatriate worker from Jharkhand was tragically killed in Saudi Arabia after being caught in a crossfire between local police and suspected liquor smugglers.

The victim, Vijay Kumar Mahato (around 25 years old) of Dudhapania village in Giridih district, had been working for the past nine months with Hyundai Engineering and Construction as a tower line fitter. According to reports, he had gone to a work site to collect materials on the instructions of a senior company official when police opened fire during an anti-smuggling operation.

Vijay, who happened to be passing through the area, was accidentally struck by a police bullet. He was rushed to hospital with injuries but succumbed on October 24.

Shortly before his death, Vijay sent a WhatsApp voice message to his wife, Basanti Devi, saying he had been hurt in a crossfire. His family initially believed he was recovering, unaware that he had already died.

“He told his wife he was caught in a crossfire and injured,” said Sikander Ali, a social activist who works on migrant worker issues. “The exchange of fire reportedly took place between Jeddah police and an extortion gang linked to the illegal liquor trade.”

Ali said the family learned about his death only after the company informed them on October 24.

Efforts Underway to Repatriate the Body

Following the incident, Dumri MLA Jairam Kumar Mahato wrote to the Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia, demanding an impartial probe into the circumstances of Vijay’s death.

In his letter, the legislator urged the embassy to ensure a thorough investigation and expedite arrangements to bring back the body. He also called for legal and financial assistance to be extended to the bereaved family.

Officials from Jharkhand’s Labour Department said they are coordinating with Indian authorities in Saudi Arabia to repatriate the remains.

“We immediately contacted the Indian Embassy and are in touch with Jeddah police to complete the formalities,” said Shikha Lakra, Team Leader at the Migrant Control Cell.

Call for Compensation

Social worker Sikander Ali said he had also alerted the state labour department and Giridih district administration to support the family and seek compensation from Saudi authorities.

Vijay is survived by his wife Basanti Devi, two sons — Rishi Kumar (5) and Roshan Kumar (3) — his father Suryanarayan Mahato, and mother Savitri Devi.

Bengaluru: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has instructed all government departments to strictly adopt eco-friendly practices by replacing plastic water bottles with sustainable alternatives in offices and official events across the state.

In a note issued on October 28, which was released to media on Friday, the CM emphasised the state's commitment to environmental responsibility and promotion of indigenous products.

The directive aims to make government functions more sustainable while supporting local enterprises.

Siddaramaiah said, "Instructions had been issued earlier to use eco-friendly materials instead of plastic water bottles for drinking water in all government offices and official meetings across the state. Necessary steps should be taken to strictly implement this measure."

Further, the chief minister directed all departments to "mandatorily use Nandini products of the government-owned Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF)" during meetings and official programmes, including those held in the Secretariat.