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US expresses shock at new images of Hamas atrocities: ‘Depravity, defies comprehension’ on October 12, 2023 at 7:17 pm

Warning this article contains graphic descriptions of death surrounding civilians, in particular children.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed revulsion at photographic evidence released Thursday showing the atrocities committed by Hamas against civilians in Israel, including young children and babies.
“It’s hard to find the right words,” Blinken said of the images shared by the Israeli government, which he said “were new to me, and I think new to our team.”
“It’s beyond what anyone would ever want to imagine. Much less actually see, and God forbid experience. A baby and infant riddled with bullets. Soldiers beheaded. Young people burned alive in their cars or in their hideaway rooms,” he said.
“I could go on, but it’s simply depravity, in the worst imaginable way, it almost defies comprehension.”
The secretary was speaking shortly after the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu posted graphic images on X, formerly called Twitter, which gave visual support to some of the grisliest descriptions of atrocities committed by Hamas as it terrorized Israeli villages beginning Saturday morning.
The Israeli government said the photos shared on X were taken from the community of Kfar Azza, in southern Israel.
Israel has launched massive aerial strikes on Gaza in response to the Hamas assault, targeting what it says is infrastructure of the terrorist group and going after its leadership.
Hamas, recognized as a terrorist group by the United States, controls Gaza, a narrow strip of land bordering Egypt, Israel and the Mediterranean Sea that is home to more than 2 million people.
Natanyahu said Thursday Hamas must be treated the same as ISIS, as Israel prepared for a possible ground invasion of Gaza.
Israel has cut off supplies of electricity, fuel, food and water to Gaza, and the United Nations has warned of a humanitarian crisis.
Blinken did not specifically address claims made by Israeli soldiers and officials that Hamas decapitated babies, but he described the group as carrying out “depravity and inhumanity … at babies, at small children, at young adults, at elderly people, at people with disabilities, the list goes on.”
“And on a basic human level, how anyone cannot be revolted and cannot reject what they’ve seen, and what the world has seen, it’s beyond me,” he added.
President Biden referenced seeing images Wednesday of the mutilated bodies of children.
“I’ve been doing this a long time. I never really thought that I would see and have confirmed pictures of terrorists beheading children. I never thought I’d ever — anyway,” he said in remarks with Jewish leaders at the White House.
The White House has not explained what images Biden was referring to with those comments. White House national security spokesperson John Kirby said Thursday that Biden’s point was to “underscore the depravity and the barbaric nature” of the attacks.
Kirby grew defensive as reporters continued to press him about how officials verified the specific claims.
“We take it very, very seriously, the need to be as factual and truthful as we can possibly be,” he said. “It’s obvious, sadly, it’s obvious what Hamas is proving willing to do to innocent Israel citizens. We’re not going to shy away from talking about the grotesque nature of what the terrorists have done.”
When a reporter brought up misinformation spread during previous wars like the war in Iraq, Kirby said “there’s no comparison whatsoever.”
During a speech at the White House Tuesday, Biden described his horror at “stomach-turning reports of babies being killed.”
Israeli soldiers on the ground in Kfar Azza, a bedroom community about a mile from the Gaza Strip, have told reporters that the bodies of babies had been found with their heads cut off, a claim that has not been confirmed by media outlets.
Those claims were repeated by Tal Heinrich, a spokesperson for Netanyahu, who told CNN that babies and toddlers were found in Kfar Azza with their “heads decapitated.”
The Hill has reached out to Israel Defense Forces and the Israeli government for evidence of the claims.
Senior members of Congress have also repeated the claims of beheadings.
“It’s disgusting to me that 70 Hamas killers went into that village and slaughtered almost all of the residents there, including the babies at the day care center, some of those were beheaded,” Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee Rep. Michael McCaul (R-Texas) told reporters Wednesday following a classified briefing on Israel presented by Biden officials.
McCaul’s office pointed to Israeli government claims in media reports when asked about where the chairman had received that information.
Yossi Zilberman, a spokesperson for the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said “Unfortunately, we stand behind our claims. Hamas is ISIS, it is not a slogan,” when asked by The Hill about the claims of atrocities in Kfar Azza.
When asked specifically to confirm that babies were beheaded in Kfar Azza or any other communities, Zilberman shared graphic images, but they did not specifically show beheaded babies.
In a voice note, he sought to convey that a focus on individual atrocities should not distract from the overall horror of the more than 1,000 people killed in Israel by Hamas in its assault.
“Regarding the beheading of babies, whether we have, right now, the photos or not, perhaps I will have the photos eventually, it is something quite minimal whether they were beheaded or not. Literally they burnt alive babies,” he said.
“There were families that were burnt alive. Things are quite obvious.”
Warning this article contains graphic descriptions of death surrounding civilians, in particular children. Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed revulsion at photographic evidence released Thursday showing the atrocities committed by Hamas against civilians in Israel, including young children and babies. “It’s hard to find the right words,” Blinken said of the images shared by the…
Business
GLOBAL SUSTAINABILITY SUMMIT RETURNS FOR ITS 5TH EDITION AT THE BRITISH PARLIAMENT – HOUSE OF LORDS, PALACE OF WESTMINSTER

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Theme: “People, Planet, and Profit in the Age of AI and Innovation”
London, United Kingdom — The Global Sustainability Summit (GSS) is officially back for its landmark 5th Edition, continuing its legacy as one of the leading international platforms driving sustainable development, climate action, ethical investment, innovation, and global collaboration.

Convened annually at the prestigious British Parliament, House of Lords, Palace of Westminster, by Ambassador Canon Chinenem Otto, the Summit has, over the last four years, successfully fostered international dialogue and partnerships that have contributed to the advancement of global sustainability goals, the establishment of sustainability-focused ministries, departments and policy structures across national and subnational governments, and the attraction of major investors into sustainable development projects, corporations and emerging economies.
This year’s summit, themed “People, Planet, and Profit in the Age of AI and Innovation,” will explore how emerging technologies, responsible leadership, sustainable finance, innovation, and global partnerships can shape a more inclusive, resilient and environmentally conscious future.

The 5th Edition promises to be the most impactful yet, bringing together world leaders, policymakers, diplomats, investors, academics, innovators, climate experts and youth leaders from across the globe to discuss actionable solutions toward achieving a sustainable and equitable future.
Among the distinguished speakers, delegates and honorees already lined up for the Summit are:
• His Excellency Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq — Executive Governor of Kwara State, Nigeria and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum
• His Excellency Senator Prince Bassey Otu — Executive Governor of Cross River State, Nigeria
• Ambassador Patricia Espinosa Cantellano — Former Executive Secretary of UN Climate Change (UNFCCC) and Former Foreign Minister of Mexico

• Lord Marvin Rees, Baron Rees of Easton OBE — Member of the House of Lords, United Kingdom
• Hon. Neema K. Lugangira — Secretary-General of Women Political Leaders (WPL), Brussels and Former Member of Parliament
• Her Excellency Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah — President of the Republic of Namibia
• His Excellency Nangolo Mbumba — Former President of Namibia
• Former President of Tanzania
• Her Excellency Ambassador Professor Olufolake AbdulRazaq — First Lady of Kwara State, Nigeria and Chairperson of Nigeria Governors’ Spouses Forum
• Your Excellency Dr. Dikko Umar Radda, PhD, CON — Executive Governor of Katsina State and Chairman of the Northwest Governors Forum, Nigeria
• Hon. Sam Shafiishuna Nujoma — Governor of Khomas Region, Namibia

• H.E. Mr. Veiccoh Nghiwete — High Commissioner of the Republic of Namibia to the United Kingdom
• Her Excellency Ms. Macenje “Che Che” Mazoka — High Commissioner of Zambia to the United Kingdom
• Ms. Danielle Newman — Partner Lead, ICT, World Economic Forum
• Leanne Elliott Young — Co-founder, Institute of Digital Fashion & CommuneEast
• Ms. Chloe Russell — Producer & Presenter, Art, Science and Nature
• Professor Marie-Claire Cordonier Segger — University of Cambridge & University of Waterloo
• Dr. Alexandra R. Harrington — IUCN World Commission on Environmental Law (WCEL)
• Professor Payam Akhavan — Massey College, University of Toronto
• Mr. Mallai C. E. Sathya — President, Dravida Vetri Kazhagam and International Movement for Tamil Culture Asia

The Summit will feature high-level panel discussions, strategic investment conversations, sustainability awards, policy dialogues, innovation showcases, youth engagement sessions and international networking opportunities focused on climate resilience, ethical financing, food-water-energy sustainability, circular economy, artificial intelligence, diplomacy and sustainable development.
Speaking ahead of the Summit, Convener Ambassador Canon Chinenem Otto noted:
“As the world rapidly evolves through artificial intelligence and technological innovation, we must ensure that sustainability remains people-centered, environmentally responsible and economically inclusive. The Global Sustainability Summit continues to serve as a bridge connecting governments, institutions, innovators and investors to accelerate practical sustainability solutions globally. Our fifth edition is not only a celebration of progress made over the years, but also a renewed call for global collaboration and actionable impact toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and Net Zero ambitions.”
The Global Sustainability Summit continues to position itself as a catalyst for transformative partnerships and sustainable global progress, reinforcing the urgent need for collective action toward a more resilient and sustainable future.
More announcements regarding additional speakers, partners and summit activities will be unveiled in the coming weeks.
News
US May Completely Cut Income Tax Due to Tariff Revenue

President Donald Trump says the United States might one day get rid of federal income tax because of money the government collects from tariffs on imported goods. Tariffs are extra taxes the U.S. puts on products that come from other countries.

What Trump Is Saying
Trump has said that tariff money could become so large that it might allow the government to cut income taxes “almost completely.” He has also talked about possibly phasing out income tax over the next few years if tariff money keeps going up.
How Taxes Work Now
Right now, the federal government gets much more money from income taxes than from tariffs. Income taxes bring in trillions of dollars each year, while tariffs bring in only a small part of that total. Because of this gap, experts say tariffs would need to grow by many times to replace income tax money.
Questions From Experts
Many economists and tax experts doubt that tariffs alone could pay for the whole federal budget. They warn that very high tariffs could make many imported goods more expensive for shoppers in the United States. This could hit lower- and middle‑income families hardest, because they spend a big share of their money on everyday items.
What Congress Must Do
The president can change some tariffs, but only Congress can change or end the federal income tax. That means any real plan to remove income tax would need new laws passed by both the House of Representatives and the Senate. So far, there is no detailed law or full budget plan on this idea.

What It Means Right Now
For now, Trump’s comments are a proposal, not a change in the law. People and businesses still have to pay federal income tax under the current rules. The debate over using tariffs instead of income taxes is likely to continue among lawmakers, experts, and voters.
News
Epstein Files to Be Declassified After Trump Order

Former President Donald Trump has signed an executive order directing federal agencies to declassify all government files related to Jeffrey Epstein, the disgraced financier whose death in 2019 continues to fuel controversy and speculation.
The order, signed Wednesday at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate, instructs the FBI, Department of Justice, and intelligence agencies to release documents detailing Epstein’s network, finances, and alleged connections to high-profile figures. Trump described the move as “a step toward transparency and public trust,” promising that no names would be shielded from scrutiny.
“This information belongs to the American people,” Trump said in a televised statement. “For too long, powerful interests have tried to bury the truth. That ends now.”
U.S. intelligence officials confirmed that preparations for the release are already underway. According to sources familiar with the process, the first batch of documents is expected to be made public within the next 30 days, with additional releases scheduled over several months.
Reactions poured in across the political spectrum. Supporters praised the decision as a bold act of accountability, while critics alleged it was politically motivated, timed to draw attention during a volatile election season. Civil rights advocates, meanwhile, emphasized caution, warning that some records could expose private victims or ongoing legal matters.
The Epstein case, which implicated figures in politics, business, and entertainment, remains one of the most talked-about scandals of the past decade. Epstein’s connections to influential individuals—including politicians, royals, and executives—have long sparked speculation about the extent of his operations and who may have been involved.

Former federal prosecutor Lauren Fields said the release could mark a turning point in public discourse surrounding government transparency. “Regardless of political stance, this declassification has the potential to reshape how Americans view power and accountability,” Fields noted.
Officials say redactions may still occur to protect sensitive intelligence or personal information, but the intent is a near-complete disclosure. For years, critics of the government’s handling of Epstein’s case have accused agencies of concealing evidence or shielding elites from exposure. Trump’s order promises to change that narrative.
As anticipation builds, journalists, legal analysts, and online commentators are preparing for what could be one of the most consequential information releases in recent history.
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