Israel closes schools, delays university year amid war
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) announced on Sunday that schools across the country would remain closed for the coming days. The restrictions will remain in place until 6pm on Tuesday, but could be extended due to the ongoing war, according to The Time of Israel.
In addition, the new university year will begin on October 22, instead of October 15, according to the Committee of University Presidents.
"Our hearts are with the families of those who were killed," the committee said in a statement. "We wish the wounded a speedy recovery and are hopeful that those who were kidnapped, taken, and are missing will return home soon."
Many students and faculty members have been called up to reserve duty, according to a statement from the committee.
According to official figures, the death toll from Hamas's massive attack on Israeli communities near Gaza has exceeded 600 people.
Israel's Foreign Ministry says 84 countries have expressed support
Approximately 84 countries and nations have issued statements of support for Israel, according to a list compiled by the Israeli Foreign Ministry, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, France, Norway, and Austria.
Foreign Minister Eli Cohen spoke with 17 foreign ministers, mostly from Europe, in the past 24 hours. He also held a briefing for foreign diplomats in Israel and Israeli diplomats abroad.
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke today with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, according to the BBC. The official from Jerusalem later said that the leaders of the four countries expressed their full support for Israel to defend itself "as long as necessary."
European countries step up security for Jewish Community after Hamas attacks on Israel
The United Kingdom, France, Germany, Spain, and Italy have taken steps to bolster police protection for Jewish communities following Hamas's surprise attack on Israel and the subsequent conflict, according to Politico. The source notes that European governments are taking into account a possible increase in antisemitic acts as the fighting between Israel and the terrorist organisation Hamas continues.
According to data from a non-governmental Jewish organisation, extremists have stepped up their violent rhetoric, posting hate-filled messages on social media and calling for further aggression against Israel and its supporters.
The state of Israel has officially declared a state of war throughout its territory.
Shortly thereafter, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Chisinau declared that the Embassy of the Republic of Moldova in Israel is operating in a state of alert. In this regard, a crisis cell was created, which monitors the situation and is in constant contact with the Embassy of our country and other responsible institutions.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
