At least 8,005 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli attacks over the past month in the Gaza Strip. More than 1,400 people died when the military group Hamas attacked Israel on October 7. While Hamas claims to be engaged in "heavy fighting" with Israel in Gaza, US President Joe Biden has called for an "immediate and significant" boost in aid to the region.

# Congress 'strongly opposed' to UN resolution abstention: Sonia Gandhi

The Congress is "strongly opposed" to India's abstention on the recent UN resolution on the Israel-Hamas conflict, former party chief Sonia Gandhi said on Monday, asserting that while her party had unequivocally condemned Hamas' attacks, the tragedy is compounded by the Israeli state now focused on exacting revenge from a population that is largely as helpless as it is blameless.

She also said her party's longstanding position has been to support direct negotiations for a sovereign independent, viable and secure state of Palestine coexisting in peace with Israel.

In an article in The Hindu, Gandhi said "humanity is on trial now," as she called for the loudest and most powerful voices to be for a cessation of military activity.

"We were collectively diminished by the brutal attacks on Israel. We are now all diminished by Israel's disproportionate and equally brutal response. How many more lives will have to be taken before our collective conscience is stirred and awakened?" she said.

# Israel conducts ground operation in Gaza

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) conducted an expanded ground operation in Gaza on Sunday, October 29. According to the military, they targeted Hamas anti-tank positions and confronted gunmen along the coast and at the Erez border crossing.

VIDEO | Latest visuals from Gaza as Israel continues with its offensive amid #IsraelHamasConflict. (Source: AFP)(Full video available on https://t.co/n147TvqRQz) pic.twitter.com/C1RFaUYbY2

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) October 29, 2023

Rockets were launched from Gaza towards Israeli towns and cities throughout the day, primarily focusing on Hamas positions in the northern part of the Strip.

An IDF officer sustained serious injuries from a mortar impact, and a soldier was moderately injured during an encounter with Hamas fighters in the northern Gaza Strip overnight, as stated by the military.

# PM Netanyahu warns of 'long and difficult war' ahead

Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a warning on Saturday about the long and difficult war ahead characterising it as having transitioned into a "second stage."

During a televised address to the nation, the Israeli Prime Minister described the war as entering a new phase, drawing parallels to Israel's foundational conflict in the 1940s and framing it as the nation's "second independence war," reported NBC.

# Israel to collaborate with Russia over Dagestan concerns

In response to concerns about potential actions by pro-Palestinian protesters in the Russian Republic of Dagestan, Israel has requested that Russian authorities ensure the safety of Israelis and Jews within their jurisdictions. The Israeli ambassador in Moscow is actively collaborating with Russian authorities to address the situation.

The Foreign Ministry issued a statement emphasising that Israel takes any attempts to harm Israeli citizens and Jews seriously, and they expect Russian law enforcement authorities to protect them and take decisive measures against those involved in rioting and provocative actions directed at Jews and Israelis.

Israeli media has also shown footage of individuals breaching the airport grounds in Makhachkala, Dagestan, driven by anger over the Gaza conflict in search of passengers from a flight scheduled to arrive from Tel Aviv.

(Edited by : Ayushi Agarwal)