On 9th October 2023, BICOM Director Richard Pater appeared on BBC News’ “The Context” to discuss the latest developments following Hamas’s attack on Israel.
Updated October 10, 2023
On 9th October 2023, BICOM Director Richard Pater appeared on BBC News’ “The Context” to discuss the latest developments following Hamas’s attack on Israel.
October 10, 2023
Following his appearance on Shadow Foreign Secretary David Lammy’s LBC programme on Sunday, BICOM Director Richard Pater was interviewed again on the station yesterday. He spoke about Israel’s response to Hamas’s surprise attack over the weekend, and efforts to resolve the plight of the Israeli hostages kidnapped by Hamas.
October 10, 2023
Northern front: Hezbollah fired mortars on Israeli border positions yesterday morning, while in the afternoon four armed men infiltrated Israeli territory and killed two Israelis troops, one of whom was Lt. Col. Alim Abdullah, 40, the deputy commander of the 300th “Baram” Regional Brigade and from the northern Druze village of Yanuh-Jat.
Context: The Israel government has articulated its goals as “stripping Hamas of its capabilities”, with Minister Avi Dichter telling Army Radio that the aim was “denying or destroying the military terrorist infrastructure used by Hamas and Islamic Jihad and damaging Hamas’s governance in Gaza.”
International support: Israel continues to receive wide and unequivocal backing from its international allies. In a joint statement yesterday, the US, UK, France, Germany, and Italy said that “our countries will support Israel in its efforts to defend itself and its people against such atrocities. We further emphasise that this is not a moment for any party hostile to Israel to exploit these attacks to seek advantage.”
Looking ahead:Â Efforts are underway within the international community to resolve the hostage situation. A spokesman for the Qatar foreign ministry said his country has been holding talks with all sides and has suggested a proposal for a first step: female Palestinian prisoners in Israel for female Israeli prisoners in Gaza.
October 9, 2023
On 9th October 2023, BICOM Director Richard Pater spoke with Naga Munchetty on BBC Radio 5 Live about the latest developments following Hamas’s attack on Israel.
October 9, 2023
BICOM has released multiple briefings since Hamas’s surprise attack began on Saturday morning. To track developments as they emerged, see our updates 1, 2, and 3.
What happened:Â Two days after the initial breach, the IDF has announced that it has regained control of all towns on the Gazan border, but that terrorist cells may remain inside southern Israel.
Context:Â The attack began early Saturday morning, timed to coincide with the Jewish holiday of Simchat Torah in Israel. The well planned sophisticated attack included air, land and sea invasions.
For further context on the attacks and their possible repercussions, see our update from yesterday afternoon.
Looking ahead:Â There remain concerns that Hezbollah in Lebanon could open a second front against Israel, with reports of Hezbollah fighters spread out across the border with Israel.
October 9, 2023
On Sunday 8th October, BICOM Director Richard Pater appeared on Shadow Foreign Secretary David Lammy’s LBC radio programme to discuss Hamas’s unprecedented attack on Israel.
Listen here:
October 8, 2023
As of 3.30pm BST. For Update No.1 click here and for No.2 click here.
What’s happened: The Israeli death toll from the surprise Hamas attack launched yesterday morning has today risen to over 600, including around 240 mostly young people massacred at a “Nature Party”. At least 2,048 Israelis are injured, including at least 20 in critical condition and at least 330 seriously wounded.
Context:Â Yesterday was the single deadliest for Israeli civilians in the history of the country.
Looking ahead: The scale of Israel’s response, once the immediate objectives of re-securing the south and border have been accomplished, remains to be seen, with troops deployed ready for a potential ground assault.
October 7, 2023
This News Update was written at 6.30pm BST. For our earlier update, click here.
October 7, 2023
October 2, 2023
What’s happened: Thousands of Jewish worshippers gathered at the Western Wall today for the traditional priestly blessing.
Context:Â Sukkot is one of the three festivals connected with an ascent to Jerusalem. Jews traditionally pray at the Western Wall. Since 1967, the Status Quo agreement ensures that all non-Muslims are allowed to visit Temple Mount but not pray.
Looking ahead: Israeli security forces remain on high alert, particularly in the Jerusalem and the West Bank until the end of the Sukkot festival next weekend.
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