Israel Strikes Beirut, Killing 22, Injuring 117, Hezbollah Figure Targeted

Israel pounded central Beirut with a deadly air strike on Thursday while its ground troops in Lebanon were accused of firing on the UN's peacekeeping headquarters, injuring two of them.

The air raid on Beirut, where an AFP journalist heard several loud explosions, was the third such attack on the centre of the Lebanese capital since Israel escalated its campaign last month.

"The Israeli enemy's attacks on the capital Beirut this evening resulted in an updated toll of 22 people killed and 117 others injured," Lebanon's health ministry said in a statement.

A Lebanese security source, without giving further details, said a "Hezbollah figure" was targeted, after a series of killings of top officials in the Iran-backed movement.

AFP live TV footage showed two plumes of smoke billowing in between densely-packed buildings, while there was no immediate comment from Israeli authorities about the nature of the target.

Most Israeli strikes have targeted the south Beirut area, not the centre.

The attack came on the same day as the UN's peacekeeping force in Lebanon accused Israeli soldiers of "repeatedly" firing on its positions, including with a tank, leaving two Indonesian Blue Helmets with injuries.

Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto, whose country is a major contributor to the force, condemned the "hostile acts" which he said "could constitute war crimes", while Spain called it a "grave violation of international law".

Washington said that while Israel targets Hezbollah facilities "it is critical that they not threaten UN peacekeepers' safety and security."

The Israeli military said it had been operating against Hezbollah militants near UNIFIL headquarters and had "instructed the UN forces in the area to remain in protected spaces."

Israel has been pounding Hezbollah in Lebanon since September 23 in an escalated campaign that has killed more than 1,200 people and displaced more than a million others, according to an AFP tally of health ministry figures.

Its ground forces crossed into Lebanon on September 30 with the aim of stopping Hezbollah's cross-border fire in support of Palestinian militant group Hamas, which attacked Israel on October 7.

Hezbollah missile and artillery fire has forced tens of thousands of Israelis to flee their homes near the border over the past year, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has promised to fight until they can return.

HUMANITARIAN LAW

The Lebanon operation is a second front for Israel's stretched armed forces which are continuing their campaign against Hamas Palestinian militants in Gaza.

Israeli forces launched a major operation in the north of the territory at the weekend around the Jabalia refugee camp, where about 400,000 people are trapped, according to Philippe Lazzarini, head of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA.

Speaking to reporters on Wednesday about the humanitarian situation, US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said that Washington was "incredibly concerned" as Israel tightens its siege.

"We have been making clear to the government of Israel that they have an obligation under international humanitarian law to allow food and water and other needed humanitarian assistance to make it into all parts of Gaza," he said.

An Israeli strike on a school building in Deir el-Balah in central Gaza on Thursday left at least 28 people dead and 54 injured, according to the Palestine Red Crescent.

It is the latest of numerous such incidents.

The Israeli army said in a statement the strike targeted Palestinian combatants operating from a command-and-control centre "embedded inside a compound that previously served as the (Rafida) School".

The Israeli military accuses Hamas of hiding in school buildings where thousands of Gazans have sought shelter -- a charge denied by the militant group.

UN investigators on Thursday also accused Israel of deliberately targeting health facilities and killing and torturing medical personnel in Gaza.

Israel is "committing war crimes and the crime against humanity of extermination with relentless and deliberate attacks on medical personnel and facilities", the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry said in a statement.

DEADLY, PRECISE

Ahead of Yom Kippur this Friday and Saturday, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, Israelis are also braced for the country's reaction to a missile attack last week from Iran, which backs both Hamas and Hezbollah.

Iran fired about 200 missiles in what it said was retaliation for the assassination of two of its closest allies, Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, along with an Iranian general.

Israel's Defence Minister Yoav Gallant said Wednesday that "our attack on Iran will be deadly, precise and surprising. They will not understand what happened and how it happened."

Biden has cautioned Israel against attempting to target Iran's nuclear facilities and opposes striking oil installations.

"I don't think we are currently in a situation that the two countries are seeking an all-out direct war," Hamid, a 29-year-old university student in Tehran, told AFP on Thursday.

"It will have severe economic and military consequences" on both countries, he added.

The Gaza war began on October 7 last year, when Hamas militants stormed across the border and carried out the worst attack in Israeli history.

The militants took 251 people hostage in an attack that resulted in the deaths of 1,206 people, most of them civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official Israeli figures.

According to the Hamas-run territory's health ministry, 42,065 people have been killed in Gaza since the start of the war, a majority civilians, figures the UN has described as reliable.
 

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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WT20 WC Table: India Thrash SL, Surpass NZ And Pakistan For Big Semis Boost

Updated Women's T20 World Cup Points Table: The Indian women's cricket team finally showed great intent as they thrashed Sri Lanka by massive 82 runs in their third match of the 2024 Women's T20 World Cup. After losing to New Zealand in the first match, things had become tricky for the Harmanpreet Kaur-led side. But with back-to-back wins against Pakistan and Sri Lanka, the side's semi-final chances have received a boost. Before the match against Sri Lanka, India were fourth in Group A with two points from two matches and a run-rate of -1.217. (Women's T20 World Cup points table)

After the win against Sri Lanka, India have climbed up to the second position in the table with four points from three matches and a run-rate of +0.576.

Earlier, a 98-run opening partnership between Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma, along with a blistering knock from captain Harmanpreet Kaur, propelled India to 172/3 in their Group A Women's T20 World Cup match against Sri Lanka in Dubai on Wednesday.

Smriti Mandhana scored her fifty off 36 deliveries, hitting four boundaries and a maximum, while her partner Shafali Verma played an anchor role, scoring 43 off 40 balls with four boundaries.

The Indian team reached their fifty in just 7 overs and were 78 for no loss after 10 overs.

The brilliant partnership was broken in the form of a run-out, with Mandhana departing in the 12.4 overs. Shortly after, Shafali was dismissed by Sri Lankan captain Chamari Athapaththu for 43.

India reached their hundred in 13.2 overs.

Jemimah Rodrigues contributed a quick 16 off 10 balls, including two boundaries, but was dismissed by Ama Kanchana, leaving India at 128/3.

They reached 150 in 18.3 overs.

Skipper Harmanpreet Kaur came in at number three and scored an unbeaten 52 off 27 deliveries, hitting eight boundaries and a six.

Her innings helped the Indian team surpass the 170 mark.

The key bowlers for Sri Lanka were Athapaththu, who took one wicket for 34 runs in her four overs, and Ana Kanchana, who finished with figures of 1/29.

With ANI inputs 

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Ratan Tata Dies: 10 Facts On India's Most Beloved Industrialist

1. Ratan Naval Tata was the great-grandson of Jamsetji Tata who founded the Tata Group. He was born on December 28, 1937, in Mumbai to Naval Tata and Sooni Tata.
2. He was raised by his grandmother, Navajbai Tata after his parents separated in 1948.
3. Despite coming close to marriage on four occasions, Ratan Tata never married.
4. He once admitted that he fell in love while working in Los Angeles. But because of the ongoing 1962 Indo-China War, the girl's parents refused to let her move to India.
5. Starting his career in 1961, Ratan Tata started from the ground up, managing operations on the shop floor of Tata Steel. This experience laid the foundation for his future leadership role within the group.
6. He became chairman of the autos to steel conglomerate in 1991 and ran the group founded by his great-grandfather more than a hundred years ago until 2012.
7. He began restructuring the Tata group at a time when the liberalisation of the Indian economy was underway. He played an instrumental role in the business expansion of popular cars including the Tata Nano and Tata Indica.
8. He got Tata Tea to acquire Tetley, Tata Motors to acquire Jaguar Land Rover, and Tata Steel to acquire Corus in 2004.
9. In 2009, Ratan fulfilled his promise to make the world's cheapest car accessible to the middle class. The Tata Nano, priced at Rs 1 lakh, became a symbol of innovation and affordability.
10. After stepping down, he was conferred with the title of chairman emeritus of Tata Sons, Tata Industries, Tata Motors, Tata Steel and Tata Chemicals.

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On J&K's Statehood Demand, Ram Madhav Says Yes, Then Adds A Caveat

Jammu and Kashmir will get its statehood but there seems to be some small print involved, senior BJP leader Ram Madhav indicated today. In an exclusive interview with NDTV, the leader who was in charge of the Union Territory, said the BJP has committed to a return of statehood "on the floor of the House".

But asked about a time frame for it, he said, "You remember one thing. Jammu Kashmir has travelled a lot of distance in the last 5 to 10 years. It gave up its terror-based identity, it is a very peaceful state in terms of separatism... even Jamaat has joined the electoral process. That is a very big achievement. But those in power in the state should be reassuring the people in Delhi that they won't bring those tendencies back into this region. Then full statehood is possible".

"There are people who are demanding the release of all terrorists in jail, demanding restoration of Article 370. With that kind of attitude, if they go to the assembly and then statehood -- how to release terrorists and separatists and all? That becomes problematic for the larger national security issues," he said. "But we are favour of the UT getting statehood sooner rather than later," he added.

The National Conference of Omar Abdullah and ally Congress have come to power in Jammu and Kashmir winning 49 of 90 seats. Both parties had made restoration of statehood their big election promise. It is a promise that was also reiterated by the BJP, but going by the results, the Valley appeared unconvinced.

The BJP had won 29 seats, all of them in the Jammu region.

In an interview with NDTV earlier today, Omar Abdullah, the leader most likely to be the Chief Minister of J&K had said he was willing to set aside the question of Article 370 and set up a working relationship with the Centre.

Asked to respond to this, Mr Madhav said Prime Minister Narendra Modi does not discriminate between states or consider which party is in power. 'We would certainly work for the good of the people of Jammu and Kashmir," he added. 

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Joe Root Just One Step Away From Matching Sachin Tendulkar Big World Record

England's vibrant batter Joe Root took a step closer to matching Sachin Tendulkar's elusive record for 1000-plus Test runs in most calendar years. After Pakistan slammed a mammoth 556-run total on the back of centuries from Salman Ali Agha (104*), Abdullah Shafique (102) and skipper Shan Masood (151). Root stepped up to steady visitors ship after England lost stand-in skipper Ollie Pope to Naseem Shah early in the first innings. He approached each delivery that came his way with caution to ensure that England didn't lose further wickets after losing Pope.

While exercising caution, Root heavily relied on rotating the strike, found the boundary rope twice and walked back unbeaten with a score of 32(54).

Root, who has been tipped to go past Sachin's tally in red-ball cricket, returned to the dressing room after crossing 1,000 Test runs in 2024. This was the fifth calendar year when the 33-year-old managed to cross the 1,000-run mark in Test cricket.

He just needs to put up another calendar year where he hits the 1,000 Test runs mark to go level with 'Master Blaster' Sachin Tendulkar.

Sachin currently sits at the summit with a whopping tally of six calendar years in which he garnered 1000-plus Test runs.

With a tally of five, Root is now level with cricket icons Brian Lara, Matthew Hayden, Jacques Kallis, Ricky Ponting, Kumar Sangakkara and Alastair Cook for scoring 1000-plus Test runs in most calendar years.

Zak Crawley, on the other hand, played the role of aggressor with his run-a-ball 64*. His rollicking performance, which saw him smack 11 fours, forced Pakistan bowlers to toil hard in their hunt for a wicket.

The duo forged an unbeaten 92-run stand of 112 deliveries as England pushed to chase down Pakistan's challenging total. England ended the day with a score of 96/1, trailing Pakistan by 460 runs.

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"Instilled Fear": Pak Star Wants This Ind Pacer To Play vs Aus. Not Bumrah

Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali lauded young Indian pace sensation Mayank Yadav on his international debut and expressed hope that he travels to Australia for the five-Test match Border-Gavaskar Series starting from November 22 in Perth. The new-look India boosted by debuts of tearaway pacer Mayank Yadav and all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy secured a dominant seven-wicket win over Bangladesh in the first of the three T20Is at Gwalior on Sunday, with Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakravarthy and Hardik Pandya delivering best performances.

Mayank first made waves during this year's Indian Premier League (IPL), taking seven wickets in four games in an injury-affected season with Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). During these matches, Mayank hit the 140-150 kmph speed consistently, getting big wickets of the likes of Jonny Bairstow and Glenn Maxwell. The bowler managed to create excitement around him, leading fans to anticipate his spells and return from injury.

The 22-year-old finally made his much-awaited debut in Indian colours in Gwalior. In four overs, he took one wicket for 21 runs at an economy rate of 5.20. Mayank did set the speed guns on fire with some of his deliveries. In his full four-over spell, Mayank did not hit 150 kph mark, but hit the 140 kmph mark consistently in 17 out of the 24 balls he bowled. His average pace of 138.7 kph was due to some slower balls, as per Wisden.

Speaking on his Youtube Channel, Basit said, "It was a dream debut for Mayank Yadav. He started off with a maiden and even clocked 149.9 kmph. He has come from an injury, which is why his speeds have not been 157 or 158. Just imagine if he had been given the new ball instead of Hardik Pandya. He instilled fear. If you guys saw the match, batters did not play him on the front foot. I hope that he remains fit and goes to Australia."

Coming to the match, India won the toss and opted to bowl first. Skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto (27 runs from 25 balls, 1 four and 1 six) and Mehidy Hasan Miraz (35* runs from 32 balls, 3 fours) were the top scorers for the visitors, injecting a small bit of life in an otherwise struggling innings. Bangladesh was bundled out for 127 runs in 19.5 overs.

Arshdeep Singh (3/14) was the pick of the bowlers for India. Varun Chakravarthy bagged three wickets for 31 runs on his return to the side after 2021. Pace sensation Mayank Yadav, Washington Sundar and Hardik got a scalp each.

During the chase of 128 runs, Abhishek Sharma (16 in seven balls) was run out due to a miscommunication. However, Sanju Samson (29 in 19 balls with six fours) and skipper Suryakumar Yadav (29 in 14 balls, with two fours and three sixes) stitched a 40-wicket stand for the second wicket. Then, it was Hardik who sealed the win for India, putting up a 52-run stand for the fourth wicket with debutant Nitish Kumar Reddy (16* in 15 balls, with a six).

Bangladesh failed to rise with the ball in the second inning and could only pick up two wickets. Mustafizur Rahman and Mehidy were the only wicket-takers for the visitors.

Arshdeep was named the 'Player of the Match' for his fine spell which also included the key wicket of Litton Das. India is up 1-0 in the three-match series.

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Tendulkar Snubbed By Ponting In 'Most Naturally Talented Batter' Pick

Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting is widely respected for his cricket wisdom, and does not shy away from giving his opinions. But the newly-appointed Punjab Kings coach has now given another crispy take. Despite having played with and against India legend Sachin Tendulkar, Ponting did not name him as either the most naturally talented cricketer or even the most naturally talented batter that he has seen. Instead, Ponting went for two other greats of his generation for the two categories.

"I'll say Jacques Kallis is the most talented player that I've ever seen, because of his all-round game. I'm not just talking about a talented batsman; I'm talking about a talented cricketer," said Ponting, in a panel discussion with Sky Sports.

Former South African all-rounder Kallis is widely regarded as one of, if not, the greatest all-rounders in the history of cricket. Ponting listed Kallis' tremendous statistical dominance as a reason.

Ricky Ponting on Jacques Kallis - class recognises class pic.twitter.com/Pl05hllgGr

— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) October 4, 2024

"Jacques Kallis made 44-45 Test hundreds, probably 300 wickets, maybe more than that, and he'd have an unbelievable catching record as well in Test cricket, so I think he's one of the most underrated players ever that's played the game," Ponting said.

"I mean, I know he's rated; obviously he should be, but not many people talk about him as being one of the all-time greats, and in my eyes, he certainly is," Ponting added.

Over the course of his career, Kallis piled up more than 25,000 international runs and 500 international wickets across all formats. Kallis retired as the third-highest Test run-scorer of all time, and eighth on the list of ODI run-scorers. Tendulkar tops both lists.

On the other hand, Ponting named West Indies great Brian Lara as the most naturally talented batter he has ever seen.

"The most naturally talented batsman, I'd say, would be Brian Lara," Ponting added.

Ponting and Tendulkar played alongside each other during the fag end of their careers, as both won the IPL title with Mumbai Indians in 2013.

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