October 10, 2023

*) Israel announces complete siege of Gaza Israel has announced a "complete siege" of Palestine's Gaza amid intensified fighting with the Palestinian Hamas group. “There will be no electricity, no food, no fuel, everything is closed (to Gaza), " Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant said following an army's assessment session. Energy Minister Israel Katz separately ordered "to immediately cut the water supply to Gaza". Katz's order came soon after Gallant's order for a "complete siege" on Gaza, which receives about 10 percent of its annual water from Israel. *) US, Europe witness rival groups demonstrate over Gaza bombardments Thousands of pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian protesters have held mainly peaceful gatherings in US and Europe, however, there have been a few small disturbances. In London, Paris, Athens, and several cities in the US including New York, supporters of Israel and of the Palestinians held competing rallies. *) Fanatical Jews issue death threats to Al Aqsa Mosque imam Sheikh Sabri Extremist Jewish groups have stepped up calls for the assassination of Sheikh Ikrima Sabri , imam of the Al aqsa Mosque, his lawyers said. The Defence Committee of Sheikh Ikrima Sabri , consisting of lawyers, issued a statement saying his life is under "serious threat" due to increasing "fascism" in Israeli society. The committee has called for taking the assassination and elimination threats seriously to ensure his protection and has lamented the silence of "Israeli security forces" over the provocations by fanatical Jewish groups and individuals. *) Egypt intensifies diplomatic efforts to de-escalate Hamas-Israel conflict Egypt has intensified its push for diplomatic efforts to de-escalate spiralling violence in besieged Gaza and Israel. President Abdel Fattah el Sisi spoke with UAE Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, agreeing to "intensify discussions and diplomatic efforts to stop military escalation", Sisi's spokesperson has said. Sisi has also spoken with Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas, warning of t