Seven Palestinians killed in Israeli strikes across Gaza despite ceasefire

Seven Palestinians killed in Israeli strikes across Gaza despite ceasefire



A woman embraces a girl following an Israeli strike on a residential building that killed two people in Gaza City October 20, 2026. — AFP pic


Summary

• On October 21, Israeli strikes in the Gaza Strip resulted in the deaths of seven Palestinians, as reported by Gaza's civil defense and several hospitals.
• Among the casualties included a senior Hamas official, Akram Yassin, and his wife, with various Israeli strikes impacting central and northern Gaza as well as Gaza City.
• These actions are part of Israel's continued military operations against Hamas following the deadly October 7 attack, leading to significant casualties and displacement in Gaza, despite a ceasefire in place since October 2025.
• Israeli officials assert that these operations aim to eliminate Hamas operatives involved in past violence against Israel.

First Published: Wednesday, 21 Oct 2026 10:00 AM MYT


GAZA CITY, Oct 21 — Israeli strikes on separate locations in the Gaza Strip killed seven Palestinians yesterday, according to the territory's civil defence rescue service and several hospitals.

Two men were killed in Israeli strikes in the town of Al-Zawaida and the Wadi Gaza area in the central Gaza Strip, according to Mahmoud Bassal, spokesperson of the civil defence, a rescue force operating under Hamas authority, and the Al-Aqsa Martyrs' Hospital.



An Israeli strike in the Jabalia al-Balad area in northern Gaza killed one person, according to Bassal and Al-Shifa Hospital, which reported it had received another victim of a strike in the Zeitoun neighbourhood southeast of Gaza City.

In another Israeli strike, a man and a woman, identified by Al-Shifa Hospital as Akram Yassin and his wife, were killed and several others injured in a residential block near the hospital in the Al-Rimal neighbourhood, west of Gaza City.


The Israeli military later said it killed "Akram Bassam Shaaban Yassin, a senior official in the general security apparatus of the terrorist organisation Hamas in the Gaza Strip".

Nasser Hospital reported that it had also received the body of a teenager killed by Israeli gunfire south of Khan Younis in Gaza's south.


When contacted by AFP, the Israeli military said it was verifying the other reports.


It had earlier said it had "eliminated a Hamas terrorist who had taken part in the abduction of Shani Louk during the October 7 massacre" in a strike in the Jabalia area, referring to an Israeli woman filmed in the attack lying face down in the back of a pick-up truck filled with gunmen. Her body was later repatriated.


Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is campaigning for re-election in what is expected to be a close general election later this month, has vowed to continue targeting Hamas despite the ceasefire that came into force in October 2025.

Israel's military offensive against Hamas after the October 7, 2023 attack has displaced nearly all the population of Gaza and killed more than 74,450 people, according to Gaza's health ministry, which is under Hamas authority and whose figures are considered reliable by the United Nations.

Israel has vowed to obliterate Hamas after the attack that resulted in 1,221 deaths, according to an AFP tally from official Israeli figures, in what was the deadliest day in the country's history.

Israel has continued its strikes on Gaza almost daily, with the Gaza health ministry saying those attacks have killed at least 1,500 people since the truce was implemented. — AFP

***

Expect MORE Israeli strikes (by air, tank, artillery, infantry) as the election approaches

WEST CONDEMNS ARSONISTS IN FRANCE BUT PRAISES THEM IN HONG KONG

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WEST CONDEMNS ARSONISTS IN FRANCE

BUT PRAISES THEM IN HONG KONG

The shocking events in France and other parts of Europe are showing the world something:

Peaceful protesters and violent arsonist criminals are NOT THE SAME THING.

Many western columnists have condemned the actions of protesters who burn buildings and smash up shops.

Yet these same people, to this day, still praise Hong Kong’s violent criminals. Here are some things worth remembering.

- The west’s “golden child” Joshua Wong repeatedly said protest had to be supplemented with violence: “We won’t achieve our goals through purely peaceful protest alone nor through violence alone: we need both.”

- The west’s older golden boy Jimmy Lai ordered reluctant Apple Daily staff to present pro-violence protesters positively, as they testified in court. They printed positive interviews with the leaders of the Dragon Slayer Brigade, who later admitted preparing bombs and guns for a terrorist grade “mass casualty” attack in Wan Chai.

- Court records show Nathan Law and his associates committed “a large-scale unlawful assembly, involving violence” in the Admiralty district of Hong Kong. At least 10 people were injured, one seriously.

- Joey Siu, an American, was a defender of violence, including in a notorious TV interview.

- On a single day during 2019, violent Hong Kong protesters attacked 44 MTR (metro) stations, smashed up multiple offices of democratically elected representatives, and wrecked or firebombed numerous civil service premises. At least 66 people were hospitalized. Western media said the protests were “largely peaceful”.

- At a secret meeting in Taiwan in 2020, Jimmy Lai offered 10,000 British pounds to UK pro-violence activist Finn Lau, known as Mutual Destruction Bro to take a leading role in the protests.

- Academic Benny Tai distributed a plan to use loopholes in the city’s governance system to create quote “a constitutional weapon of mass destruction” that would paralyze Hong Kong, which he hoped “will see increasingly fierce resistance in the streets with an equally bloody crackdown”.

- Jim Cunningham, Jimmy Lai’s main contact in Washington DC, eventually wrote confidentially to the publisher and his assistant Mark Simon that the US State Department wanted the violence toned down.

But by then it was too late.

Iran says naval mines hit three tankers in Strait of Hormuz

Iran says naval mines hit three tankers in Strait of Hormuz



Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said naval mines struck three oil tankers attempting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. — AFP pic


Summary

• The Iranian Revolutionary Guards reported using naval mines to halt three oil tankers attempting to transit the Strait of Hormuz via routes deemed illegal by Tehran.
• Two tankers were set ablaze and a third exploded after striking the mines, all carrying significant crude oil capacity.
• This move is part of Iran's broader strategy to control the Strait amid tensions that escalated since February, following attacks by the US and Israel, leading to mutual blockades.
• The heightened conflict has seen increased attacks on vessels as Iran and the US vie for control over the strategic passageway that is critical for global oil supplies.

First Published: Wednesday, 21 Oct 2026 9:58 AM MYT


TEHRAN, Oct 21 — Iranian Revolutionary Guards said yesterday that their naval mines halted three tankers attempting to travel the Strait of Hormuz via routes considered illegal by Tehran.

“Two violating oil tankers were set ablaze and halted due to the explosion of mines planted by the brave sailors of the IRGC Navy at an illegal crossing point in the southern part of the Strait of Hormuz,” the Guards said in a statement on their official Sepah News website.

The Guards later said in a statement carried by state TV that a third oil tanker “exploded and caught fire after striking a naval mine south of the Strait of Hormuz”.

The statement added that the tanker “carrying over two million barrels of crude oil, had deactivated all of its radar and navigation systems”.


Iranian forces have, since the outbreak of the Middle East war, repeatedly targeted ships attempting to pass through Hormuz via a southern route close to the Omani coast.

The conflict began on February 28, when the United States and Israel launched attacks on Iran, killing the country’s supreme leader, along with senior military commanders.


Iran has attempted to blockade the strategic waterway, demanding all ships seek its authorisation to cross. In peacetime, the Hormuz strait carried around a fifth of the world’s oil supplies.


In retaliation, the United States has imposed a counterblockade on Iranian ports and ships.


Yesterday, Ali Abdollahi, chief of staff of Iran’s armed forces said the country is using cheap weapons to attack expensive US equipment.

“Should the enemy commit any further errors, we will neutralise the impact of their expensive, advanced equipment using a wide array of low-cost yet effective equipment.”

Attacks on vessels attempting to cross the waterway have increased in recent days, as Washington seeks to escort more ships through the strait while Tehran seeks to maintain control over their passage.

The Guards have in recent days said several tankers were hit by mines in the strategic waterway. — AFP

ECRL pitches 90-container freight trains to take cargo off Malaysian highways

ECRL pitches 90-container freight trains to take cargo off Malaysian highways



Malaysia Rail Link chief executive Datuk Seri Darwis Abdul Razak said ECRL could help businesses reduce logistics costs and improve delivery reliability through a shift from road to rail. — Bernama pic


Summary

• The East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) in Malaysia aims to shift freight transport from road to rail, with each freight train potentially removing up to 90 container trucks from roads.
• The project, nearing completion with trial operations set for November, is expected to enhance connectivity between major ports and provide an efficient transport alternative in the region.
• ECRL Operations Sdn Bhd, a joint venture between Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd (MRL) and China Communications Construction Company, will manage the railway's operation, focusing on technology transfer and leveraging China's expertise.
• Passenger services will include different classes with amenities, aiming to change travel habits by offering a viable alternative to road travel.

First Published: Wednesday, 21 Oct 2026 10:19 AM MYT


KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 21 — The East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) could remove up to 90 container trucks from the road with every freight train, supporting Malaysia’s shift towards rail-based freight transportation.

Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd (MRL) chief executive officer Datuk Seri Darwis Abdul Razak said each freight train could carry about 45 wagons, equivalent to 90 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), providing businesses with an alternative for transporting goods between the East and West Coasts of Peninsular Malaysia.


He said ECRL would connect Kuantan Port and, eventually, Kemaman Port on the east coast with Westports and Northport in Port Klang, strengthening freight connectivity between the country’s major ports.

“For longer distances exceeding 200 kilometres, it is wise and economical to use our rail freight services. We strongly encourage companies in the East Coast to shift their goods to ECRL,” said Darwis in an interview at the Bernama Mobile Studio in conjunction with Transport Expo Asia 2026 (TXA 2026) recently.


He said attracting businesses to shift from road to rail would depend on competitive pricing, reliable schedules and effective last-mile connectivity, as lorries would still be needed to transport goods to their final destinations.

Darwis said rail freight could offer businesses lower operating costs and greater certainty in delivery schedules, supporting the government’s road-to-rail initiative.


ECRL nears completion, trial operations in November

Darwis said the 665-kilometre ECRL project had achieved 98.16 per cent completion as of October, with trial operations scheduled for November ahead of commercial services beginning on December 12, 2026.


The railway will connect Selangor, Pahang, Terengganu and Kelantan, providing an alternative mode of transport and strengthening connectivity between the East Coast and the Klang Valley.

“With the progress that we have achieved today, it’s about 98.16 per cent as of October. Hopefully, coming November, there will be an important milestone for us where we are going to run trial operations for the next one month, and subsequently operations will begin in December,” he said.

He said the express train would shorten the journey between Gombak and Kota Bharu to about four hours, while transit services would take less than five hours.

The service is expected to benefit East Coast residents travelling home during festive seasons, when road congestion can significantly extend journey times.

Darwis said ECRL would form part of Malaysia’s integrated transport and logistics ecosystem, with MRL’s focus shifting from infrastructure construction towards delivering long-term economic and social benefits.


Five-year target for technology transfer

ECRL Operations Sdn Bhd (EOSB), a 50:50 joint venture between MRL and China Communications Construction Company (CCCC), would manage the railway’s operations and maintenance.

The partnership would leverage China’s railway operating and maintenance experience while facilitating technology transfer to Malaysia’s workforce within five years.

“We work together as 50-50 partners to run the operation and maintenance of ECRL. We acknowledge their vast experience managing operations and maintenance, given their network of more than 150,000 kilometres of railway in China,” he said.

Darwis said the collaboration is aimed at delivering safe, reliable and high-standard services while building local expertise in railway operations and maintenance.

For passengers, ECRL would offer Business Class, Premium Economy and Economy Class services.

Economy Class will have a 3-2 seating configuration, while Business Class will offer a more spacious 2-2 arrangement along with additional services similar to those provided in airline business class.

A train configured with Business Class and Economy Class would have about 409 seats, while an all-Economy Class train would accommodate approximately 425 passengers. The trains would also feature a bistro where passengers could purchase refreshments during their journeys.

Darwis stated that MRL would establish a baseline for the number of cars on the road before monitoring how many travellers shift to rail with the commencement of ECRL operations.

He said the service could change Malaysians’ travel habits by offering more predictable journey times and a viable alternative to private vehicles for intercity travel. — Bernama

***

Hope this will improve road safety (by minimising truck traffic)

Lt Columbo wonders - and the answer has been The Hannibal Protocol

 

'Great result for Canada', says Carney as Alberta votes to reject separatism

'Great result for Canada', says Carney as Alberta votes to reject separatism

16 minutes ago
Nadine Yousif, Reporting from Edmonton, and
James FitzGerald



'Conversation far from over': BBC reports from pro-separatist watch party


Prime Minister Mark Carney says an overwhelming vote by people in Alberta to remain part of Canada is a "great result" for the country.

Speaking to reporters as he walked into a cabinet meeting on Tuesday, Carney said he was "thrilled that Albertans have chosen unity" by rejecting a proposal to pursue separation through a binding referendum.

Preliminary results indicate more than two-thirds chose Canada over a push for independence for the province, according to Elections Alberta.

Monday's referendum was the result of a months-long campaign by separatists in the western Canadian province to get a public vote on the issue.

Provincial leader Danielle Smith welcomed the initial results, commenting: "Albertans have voted for a stronger Alberta in a united Canada."

Premier Smith herself opposed the separatist push but said the public will for a vote was undeniable, and many supporters of her own political party - United Conservative Party - were in the separatist camp.

Smith said she would address Albertans later on Tuesday on the path forward for the province.

In making the case for independence from Canada, many of the separatists said the oil-rich province's economic growth had been stifled by the environmental policies of Canada's central government in Ottawa.

But those who opposed a breakup - including Carney - called for Canada to present a united front in the face of external pressures, including an ongoing trade war with the United States.

"They've chosen to build together," Carney said. "They've chosen to continue to take care of each other, to move forward, to move forward together, with purpose, high ambition."

Carney added that he had spoken to Smith that morning and discussed "moving forward in the spirit of cooperative federalism, including on issues of immigration, other common priorities".

Over the past year, the prime minister has worked with Smith on a number of shared goals, including pushing for an oil pipeline to the Pacific coast.

Huge setback for Alberta's separatist movement after decisive defeat

At a pro-separatist watch party in Edmonton, the hum of upbeat chatter quickly quieted as those present saw the projected results.

After overnight vote projections were published by Canadian broadcaster CBC and others, the mood soured. The watch party attended by the BBC packed up quickly, and people went home.

One of the separatist leaders, Jeffrey Rath, struck a defiant tone, however, vowing that "our movement isn't stopping and we're continuing to move forward".

Speaking to the BBC World Service's Newsday programme, Rath, a lawyer based in Calgary, said he saw Monday's vote as a "first step" which had taught the movement some "valuable lessons".

Asked whether his movement would push to keep holding votes on independence until it got the result it wanted, he responded "why not?", and insisted that "the math and the economics" all added up on his side of the argument.

Separatist leader Jeffrey Rath was defiant even as results went against him


Premier Scott Moe, from the province of Saskatchewan, said he was glad Albertans chose unity, but added that "there is still work to be done on improving how Western Canada is treated by Ottawa".

Pierre Poilievre, the leader of Canada's Conservative party and a member of parliament from Alberta, said on social media that "the promise of Canada is worth fighting for".

"Now our focus must be on results in people's lives: affordable food and homes, safe streets, strong borders, and less immigration," he said.

Smith called the vote after a grassroots group gathered about 300,000 signatures on a petition seeking a binding referendum on separation.

The petition was blocked by a judge, saying it failed to consult indigenous First Nations people - however, Smith opted to go ahead with the ballot.

Another group collected signatures for its own petition that opposed separation, which was signed by more than 400,000 people.

The key question on Monday's voting paper asked: "Should Alberta remain a province of Canada or should the Government of Alberta commence the legal process required under the Canadian Constitution to hold a binding provincial referendum on whether or not Alberta should separate from Canada?"

It's the first time a Canadian province has weighed the issue of separation since Quebec's two referendums, in 1980 in 1995.

Both of those were unsuccessful, but Alberta separatists believe Quebec used the threat of independence to gain significant political leverage over Canada's central government.

Smith said before the vote that if Albertans chose the remain option, a binding referendum on separation would not be held - at least, not while she was in power.

Getty Images

Those who favoured remaining part of the Canada cheered the result at an event in Edmonton

Despite the projected results, the conversation around Albertan sovereignty is not over.

Separatists leaders have indicated that they plan to try and push Smith out of power within her United Conservative Party, in the hope of installing a leader who is more sympathetic to their cause.

Another separatist leader, Mitch Sylvestre, told the BBC on polling day that "a lot of work will have to be done" to curb the appetite for independence if his side did lose.

Although responses to the referendum question were tallied first, there were nine other non-binding questions on Monday's ballot paper.

Five of these dealt with immigration, while the other four focused on the Canadian constitution.

Early results suggest that most will pass, including proposals for the province to take increased control over immigration levels.

***

Why in the world would any Canadian want to secede from a great nation?

‘Eliminating Tehran regime’ discussed with Trump – Netanyahu

 

Iran war: ‘Eliminating Tehran regime’ discussed with Trump – Netanyahu

By Stephen Quillen, Federica Marsi and Mohammed R Mhawish

Published On 20 Oct 202620 Oct 2026

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• Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says both he and President Trump are “committed to completing the ⁠elimination of the Iranian ⁠regime” and recently “discussed this”.
• Two tankers are ablaze after hitting sea mines in the Strait of Hormuz, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps says. US CENTCOM called the claim “incorrect”.
• Qatar’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed al-Ansari says negotiations between Iran and the US are continuing despite growing tensions and fears of renewed fighting.
• The United Kingdom says it will deploy Typhoon fighter jets to help protect Saudi Arabia from attacks by Yemen’s Houthis.

• 

  US official: Trump has no plan to attack Iran before November midterms

  By Christopher Sheridan

  Reporting from Washington, DC

  Deputy White House Press Secretary Anna Kelly has addressed comments by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that President Donald Trump is onboard with a plan to “eliminate” Iran’s leadership.

  Kelly responded to a question about discussions between Trump and Netanyahu on alleged plans to take out the Iranian regime.

  “As President Trump stated, Iran is in very bad condition – both economically and militarily – and the blockade will remain in full force and effect with oil flowing in record numbers of barrels through the Hormuz Strait,” she told Al Jazeera.

  “The United States will not be attacking Iran at any time prior to the midterm elections.”
• 19m ago

  (16:45 GMT)

  Iran army chief says low-cost equipment will counter advanced weapons

  Iran’s armed forces chief of staff says Iran will employ “asymmetric” methods in any future conflict against its enemies by using low-cost but effective equipment to “neutralise” advanced weaponry.

  Major-General Ali Abdollahi said the strategy “will prove troublesome, concerning, and highly costly for the enemy”.

  The US and Israel used expensive missiles and drones to attack Iran and to intercept missiles Tehran fired back in response.

  The Patriot and THAAD defence systems – which launch interceptors to take out incoming drones and missiles – can cost millions of dollars for each missile launched. This compares with the $20,000-$35,000 cost of each Iranian Shahed drone.

  

  An Iranian Shahed drone used by Russia to strike Ukraine [File: Efrem Lukatsky/Reuters]
• 34m ago

  (16:30 GMT)

  Netanyahu says toppling Iran’s government would end Hezbollah and bring peace

  Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says the fall of Hezbollah would follow the collapse of Iran’s government, paving the way for peace with Lebanon.

  Netanyahu made the remarks at a meeting with heads of Israeli towns along the Lebanese border. “Completing the mission means toppling the terrorist regime in Iran, for it is the head of this poisonous octopus. If we sever the head, the entire creature will fall,” he said. He added that “the elimination of Hezbollah will follow as a natural consequence”.

  He said Israel had “effectively destroyed all the major terrorist infrastructure, both underground and above ground”.

  But as long as Iran’s government remains, “even if it is defeated or damaged”, it will try to repeat what it attempted a year ago, which Israel managed to stop, by producing nuclear bombs and rebuilding its “axis”, Netanyahu said.

  The prime minister said Israel would “also achieve peace with Lebanon”, but that “we must eliminate the Iranian regime”.

• 39m ago

  (16:25 GMT)

  Yemeni government forces say they repelled Houthi attacks in Taiz governorate

  Yemeni government forces say they have fended off Houthi attacks in various parts of Taiz governorate, including in the areas of al-Shaqab, al-Masrakh and al-Aqroud in the south, and Jabal Han and al-Dabab in the west.

  In a statement, the Yemeni government forces said their combat aircraft had targeted Houthi forces and equipment across the governorate, causing numerous casualties.

  Earlier, as we reported, military spokesman Majed Abdullah al-Nuzaili said Yemeni army attacks had “neutralised” 200 Houthi fighters within 24 hours.
• 44m ago

  (16:20 GMT)

  Iran claim tankers struck by sea mines in Hormuz ‘incorrect’: CENTCOM

  A spokesperson for US Central Command (CENTCOM) says Iran’s claims that two oil tankers hit naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz are “incorrect”.

  The spokesperson told Al Jazeera: “We have cleared international shipping lanes in the Strait of Hormuz of mines. Iran is using missiles and drones in its acts of aggression.”

  Speaking on condition of anonymity, the spokesperson said Iran’s claim that the strait is closed is false, and it remains open to maritime traffic with 95 percent of vessels transiting through Hormuz “successfully”.

  Attacks on shipping point to the “desperation” of the IRGC in the face of the blockade, the spokesperson said, which deprives Iran of “the resources needed to rebuild the military capabilities we destroyed”.

  
• 54m ago

  (16:10 GMT)

  ‘Panic setting in’ in Iran as ‘Operation Outcast’ hammers economy: US

  US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent says US economic pressure against Iran is severely weakening its economy, which he predicts will soon go “non-linear”.

  “Think of it like a company going bankrupt – nobody is going to give them [Iran] money, and we can see both from the private and public statements of elected officials and the IRGC that the panic is starting to set in,” Bessent said in an interview with 2WAY TV.

  “We’re seeing that inflation is more than 100 percent,” he added. “We think the economy could be down by double digits.

  “We are eight weeks into Operation Outcast,” he continued, referring to the US’s economic campaign against Iran. “I don’t know if it’s going to take four more weeks or eight more weeks, but at a point, their economy will go non-linear.”

  

  Bessent said ‘We’re seeing [Iran’s] inflation is more than 100 percent’ [File: Gerald Herbert/AP]
• 1h ago

  (16:00 GMT)

  Lebanese and Israeli military delegations hold US-brokered talks in Florida

  

  By John Holman

  Reporting from Tampa, Florida

  Lebanese and Israeli military delegations are meeting in Florida where the US says they’ll discuss the security dimension of the agreement they signed in June, which faces new hurdles as Israel refuses to withdraw from southern Lebanon.

  These talks are closed, but what we do know is discussions are going to have several rounds to try and broker an agreement. This is the first time these talks are split into two separate tracks: one is the political side and the other is military.

  In terms of the military track, there will be two delegations, one from Israel and one from Lebanon. They are going to hold talks for at least two days, and the US will be in the middle trying to broker things.

  The main aim here is for the Israeli withdrawal from parts of southern Lebanon, and if that can happen under what conditions?

  Lebanese officials are saying Israel should stop its strikes and respect the “pilot zones” and not expand into southern Lebanon. Israel says the Lebanese army is not doing enough to disarm Hezbollah.

  

  Hezbollah fighters during a military exercise in Aaramta, bordering Israel, in 2023 [File: Anwar Amro/AFP]