Residents of Khan Younis in southern Gaza are fleeing as a result of a new assault by the Israeli military. This comes after a mass evacuation order was issued.
Khan Younis, Gaza’s second-largest city, has already endured significant damage from previous air and ground operations earlier this year. The region is currently facing a severe humanitarian crisis due to Israeli restrictions on aid and ongoing conflicts that have limited access to essential resources like food, medical supplies, and clean water. According to the Gaza Health Ministry, the death toll in the territory has nearly reached 40,000 since the start of the Israel-Hamas war.
Tensions in the region escalated following the killing of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Iran on July 31, raising concerns of possible retaliation.
Efforts are being made by world leaders to push for a cease-fire in Gaza. Israel has confirmed its participation in indirect discussions with Hamas in response to a proposal by the United States, Egypt, and Qatar to resume talks for a cease-fire on August 15.
Here are the latest developments:
Israeli Drone Strike Kills Hamas Official in Lebanon
Reports indicate that an Israeli drone strike targeted a car in a southern Lebanese city, resulting in the death of Hamas official Samer al-Haj. The strike occurred near the entrance of Sidon and close to the Ein el-Hilweh refugee camp.
Several Hamas officials have been killed in Lebanon in previous airstrikes, including the most senior official Saleh Arouri in a Beirut airstrike in January.
Lebanon Supports Resumption of Cease-fire Talks
Lebanon’s caretaker government has welcomed calls for Israel and Hamas to resume talks for a cease-fire, emphasizing the need to end the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza.
The government also called for pressure to be put on Israel to de-escalate the situation and allow for a peace deal to be reached. The militant group Hezbollah has stated that it will cease fire only when the conflict in Gaza is resolved.
France and Germany Endorse Cease-fire Talks
French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz have expressed their support for resuming talks for a cease-fire in Gaza and the release of hostages. Both leaders emphasized the importance of ending the war in Gaza to prevent further escalation in the region.
Iran Vows to Avenge Killing of Hamas Leader
The Quds Force chief of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards, Ismail Qaani, has pledged to avenge the killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh during his visit to Iran. Tensions have been rising in the region following the incident, with Iran blaming Israel for the attack.
Qaani assured the new Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar that Tehran will support them in their resistance against Israel until they achieve their goal of reclaiming Jerusalem.
Hezbollah Drone Attack Victim Dies
A man who was seriously wounded in a Hezbollah drone attack on Israel earlier this week has succumbed to his injuries. The attack was in response to the killing of a Hezbollah fighter in an Israeli airstrike.
The conflict between Hezbollah and Israel has resulted in casualties on both sides, with ongoing cross-border fire since October.
UN Condemns Israeli Official’s Comments on Starving Palestinians
The UN human rights chief has criticized Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich’s comments suggesting the starvation of Gaza’s population until hostages are released. The minister’s comments have been denounced as inciting hatred and violating international law.
International Court Considers Arrest Warrants
Legal arguments from various countries, academics, and rights groups have been submitted to the International Criminal Court regarding the issuance of arrest warrants for Israeli and Hamas leaders. Israel has strongly opposed the court’s request for warrants, emphasizing its adherence to international law.
Attacks in Eastern Syria Leave 11 Dead
Pro-government Syrians attacked a village held by US-backed fighters in eastern Syria, resulting in at least 11 fatalities. Pro-government media outlets blamed a separate attack in a different village on members of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).
Western Envoys Boycott Nagasaki Anniversary Ceremony
Ambassadors from several Western nations boycotted Nagasaki’s atomic bombing anniversary ceremony due to the city’s decision not to invite Israel. The ceremony emphasized the need to abolish nuclear weapons and highlighted global concerns over escalating conflicts.
Suspected Houthi Attacks Target Ship in Bab el-Mandeb Strait
Three suspected attacks by Yemen’s Houthi rebels targeted a ship in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, with private security guards successfully intercepting and destroying a bomb-laden drone boat. The region has seen a series of attacks by the rebels over recent months, following the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Iran.
