Monday,  October 16th, 2023 

Colombia requests the departure of the Israeli ambassador following Colombian President Gustavo Petro‘s remarks criticizing Israel’s actions. In response, Israel suspends security exports to the South American nation. (AFP via RFI) 

The World Health Organization said 21 hospitals in Gaza have been ordered to evacuate by Israel, warning this “may amount to a violation of international humanitarian law”. (Financial Times) 

Israel begins evacuating 28 communities located within two kilometers of the border with Lebanon amid clashes with Hezbollah. (Fox News) 

Hundreds of Americans and Israeli Americans are evacuated by sea from Haifa to Cyprus. (The Jewish Chronicle) 

Sameh Shoukry, Egypt’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, announces that US-backed efforts to re-open the Rafah border crossing have failed, citing Israel’s refusal to guarantee the safety of incoming aid convoys or outgoing foreign nationals. (Reuters) 

At least four hospitals in northern Gaza are no longer functioning following Israeli bombardments, according to the United Nations. (Al Jazeera) 

The World Health Organization announces there is only 24 hours of water, electricity and fuel left in Gaza. (CBS News) 

Palestinian protesters rally in the streets of several cities across the West Bank calling for an end to Israeli attacks on Gaza. (Al Jazeera) 

Medical Aid for Palestinians says hospitals in Gaza are facing a “catastrophic” shortage of medical supplies, amid Israel’s “total blockade”. (Al Jazeera) 

More than 400,000 Palestinians are sheltering in UN schools and buildings across the Gaza Strip, the global body says. Fourteen UNRWA personnel have been killed in Israeli airstrikes. (Al Jazeera) 

Hamas releases the first video of a hostage on Telegram since the war started, a 21-year-old Israeli woman from Shoham who was kidnapped during the Re’im music festival massacre. In the video, she claims to be receiving medical treatment by her captors. (The Jerusalem Post) 

At least six civilians are killed and eight injured in airstrikes targeting the home of an extended family west of Khan Younis, Gaza. (Al Jazeera) 

At least seven people are killed, including five emergency workers, following Israeli airstrikes on two civil defense facilities in the eastern and southern Gaza City. (Al Jazeera) 

The bodies of more than 1,000 people are trapped under the rubble of buildings in Gaza destroyed by Israeli air strikes, prompting concern of humanitarian and environmental crises. (Al Jazeera) 

Hamas forces launch a barrage of missiles at the two largest Israeli cities, Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, saying it was in response to Israel’s “targeting of civilians”. (BBC News) 

Israeli military forces carry out raids and make dozens of arrests in multiple areas in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, Nablus, Bethlehem, Hebron and the Aqabat Jabr camp in Jericho. (Al Jazeera) 

Several dozen raids are conducted by Israeli forces in the West Bank, detaining about 600 people. Most are held without charges under “administrative detention”, where the individuals are not told the reasons for their arrest. (Al Jazeera) 

Two Swedish nationals are killed and another is injured during a shooting on the north side of central Brussels, Belgium. The perpetrator, an Islamic State sympathizer, fled the scene. (Reuters) 

The United Nations peacekeeping mission in Mali, MINUSMA, initiates withdrawal from two camps in Aguelhok and Tessalit, Kidal Region. (AFP via Barron’s) 

The Philippine military demands China to stop “dangerous and offensive” actions in the South China Sea after a People’s Liberation Army Navy ship performed “aggressive maneuvers” near the disputed Thitu Island last week. (Reuters) 

Pakistani Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani has condemned the Israeli bombing on Gaza, equating the actions as genocide. (Al Jazeera) 

The Arab League chief has called for an immediate end to military operations in Gaza and for aid to be allowed into the enclave. (Times of Israel) 

China will provide emergency humanitarian aid to the UN Palestine agency and the Palestinian Authority. The CIDCA says the aid will be used to address urgent needs, such as food and medical care. (Reuters via The Standard) 

Almost 25,000 demonstrate in the southern Philippines to express solidarity with Palestinians and condemn Israel’s air raids on the Gaza Strip. (Al Jazeera) 

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has visited Israel today and declared American support and deep commitment for Israel. (BBC) 

Former Bank of China chair Liu Lian’ge is arrested on allegations of corruption. (AFP via The Manila Times) 

Italian Olympic Committee announced that bobsleigh, luge and skeleton events will not be held in Italy, due to high costs to rebuilt the iconic Eugenio Monti olympic track in Cortina d’Ampezzo; Austria or Switzerland has been suggested as an alternative. (BBC) 

Monday,  October 16th, 2023 

The United States’ National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reports a 99% likelihood of 2023 becoming the warmest year on record. (AFP via The Japan Times) 

NASA successfully launches its Psyche space probe from Kennedy Space Center. The spacecraft will explore the M-type asteroid 16 Psyche, a suspected core of a protoplanet in the asteroid belt. (Reuters) 

The Philippine military demands China stop “dangerous and offensive” actions in the South China Sea after a People’s Liberation Army Navy ship performed aggressive maneuvers near the disputed Thitu Island last week. (Reuters) 

The Chief Justice of the Constitutional Court of Indonesia allows President Joko Widodo‘s son, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, who is the Mayor of Surakarta to be able to run as Vice President candidate in the next presidential election. (The Jakarta Post) 

International Olympic Committee approves Cricket, Flag football, Lacrosse, Squash and Baseball/softball to be included in 2028 Summer Olympics. cricket will return for the first time since 1900, lacrosse since 1908 and baseball since 2020 while squash and flag football will be their first debut. (Sky Sports) 

At least 2,268 Palestinians have been killed and 8,700 others injured in Israeli airstrikes on Gaza. At least 1,300 Israelis have been killed and at least 3,400 others are injured. (Al Jazeera) 

The End