November 6, 2023

*) Israel intensifies Gaza strikes despite ceasefire calls Israel has pounded Gaza with "significant" strikes, ignoring ceasefire calls by UN aid agencies who condemned surging civilian deaths in the month-long conflict. Reporters in Gaza say Sunday night saw one of the heaviest, if not the heaviest, Israeli bombardment since the conflict began. For a third time, communications and internet services in the Palestinian enclave have been shut down. There are also reports of heavy shelling in the vicinity of several hospitals across the North. Israel's army claims it has now split Gaza in half, taking control of the areas to the north and south of Gaza City, and effectively encircling the area that holds the headquarters of Hamas. *) Israeli army conducts raids in Nablus and occupied East Jerusalem Meanwhile, in the occupied West Bank and in occupied East Jerusalem, there have been reports of overnight clashes as the Israeli military continues its raids in Palestinian majority areas. According to the Palestinian WAFA agency, the Israeli forces entered the city of Tubas, accompanied by a military bulldozer. The soldiers fired live ammunition, tear gas, and sound grenades during confrontations that left two people injured. The Israeli forces also arrested two Palestinian leaders in the town of Anata as they were giving live interviews. *) US Secretary of State Blinken to meet Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan Top US diplomat Antony Blinken has arrived in the Turkish capital Ankara, following inconclusive talks with his Arab and Israeli counterparts He is due to meet with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan in the coming hours to discuss regional issues and bilateral relations. Since the conflict began, Blinken has supported the Israeli position while trying to assure regional players that Washington is focused on relieving humanitarian suffering. *) Arab world denounces Israeli minister’s remarks calling for ‘nuking Gaza' The Arab world has issued statements condemning remarks by an Israeli