Hezbollah reported that three of its fighters were killed in Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon on Wednesday, as a U.S. envoy returned to Israel after meeting with officials in Lebanon.
Multiple Israeli strikes were reported along the border and north of Tyre, about 30 kilometers from the frontier. The Israeli military confirmed damage to vehicles in northern Israel from two Hezbollah launches.
Amos Hochstein, a senior adviser to President Biden, had meetings in Lebanon on Tuesday before returning to Israel. Progress on avoiding a larger conflict has not been confirmed.
The ongoing Israeli offensive in Gaza has faced increasing international criticism for U.S. support of air and ground attacks. The United Nations court has raised concerns of genocide in Gaza, which Israel denies. The death toll in Gaza includes both combatants and civilians, with the flow of essential supplies to Palestinians severely restricted.
Prime Minister Netanyahu accused the U.S. of withholding necessary weapons for the Gaza war. Secretary of State Blinken clarified that only certain bombs are under review, with other weapons deliveries continuing as usual.
The conflict in Gaza, which began after Hamas attacked southern Israel on Oct. 7, has resulted in the deaths of over 37,100 people. Food shortages and hunger have affected Palestinians in the region.
In other news:
— A ship attacked by Yemen’s Houthi rebels sank in the Red Sea.
— Muslim pilgrims completed the Hajj pilgrimage rituals in Mecca.
— Netanyahu blamed Biden for weapon withholding, though U.S. officials deny this claim.
— Sudan accused the UAE of fueling conflict by providing weapons to paramilitary groups.
For more updates on the Gaza conflict, visit https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war
Here’s what’s happening:
Hezbollah confirms three fighters killed in Israeli strikes
Hezbollah announced that at least three fighters were killed in Israeli strikes on Wednesday, as a U.S. envoy worked to ease tensions in the region.
Israeli strikes were reported along the border and north of Tyre, resulting in damage to vehicles in northern Israel from Hezbollah launches. Hochstein’s return to Israel follows meetings with Lebanese officials, but progress in avoiding a wider conflict is uncertain.
Israeli attacks have killed over 400 people in Lebanon, the majority being Hezbollah fighters. Casualties in northern Israel include 16 soldiers and 11 civilians.
Israeli drone strike kills Syrian army officer, state media reports
An Israeli airstrike in southern Syria resulted in the death of a Syrian army officer, according to state media.
Drone strikes hit military sites in Quneitra and Daraa, with factions affiliated with Hezbollah reportedly involved in transporting the wreckage of an Israeli reconnaissance plane to the targeted sites. Israel’s military has not commented on the strikes.
Second Yemeni ship attacked by Houthi rebels sinks in Red Sea
A bulk carrier sank in the Red Sea after an attack by Yemen’s Houthi rebels, marking a new escalation in their campaign targeting shipping through the maritime corridor.
Despite U.S.-led efforts in the region, attacks on commercial vessels and warships have continued, with the Tutor sinking in the Red Sea.
UN highlights Israeli attacks on Gaza as possible crimes against humanity
The United Nations human rights office has identified six bombing attacks by Israeli defense forces in Gaza as possible crimes against humanity.
Concerns have been raised over the use of powerful weapons, including 2,000-pound GBU-31 bombs, in attacks that have resulted in civilian casualties. Israeli authorities have defended their actions, citing respect for international law principles, while Palestinian armed groups are also accused of indiscriminate attacks.
The report focuses on specific attacks due to extensive information available about them.
