Israel has intensified its attacks in Gaza as countries around the world called for restraint, with the region bracing for Iran and Hezbollah to retaliate over the killing of two top commanders in Iran and Beirut.
Around 15 people have been killed after the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) bombed two schools being used to shelter displaced people in the northern Gaza Strip, according to Palestinian Civil Defence.
Israel’s military said that the attacks were intended to destroy Hamas “command-and-control centres” inside the school compounds in the Tuffah neighbourhood of Gaza City.
In a joint statement late on Thursday, the US and other mediating countries demanded Israel and Hamas to return to ceasefire talks as there is “no further time to waste, nor excuses”.
There are growing reports that Hezbollah is poised to strike Israel “independently” of Iran. Hezbollah are moving more quickly than their more powerful ally in planning their retaliation and are looking to strike Israel in the coming days, CNN reported.
Key Points
- Israel strikes two schools in Gaza
- Hezbollah could strike Israel independently of Iran, intelligence suggests
- Iran warns airlines to avoid its airspace
- British troops in Lebanon on standby for evacuation ‘on same scale’ as Kabul
- IDF chief says Israel ready to strike ‘anywhere in Lebanon, anywhere in Gaza, anywhere in the Middle East'
Pictures of Israeli strike on two schools show injured children
05:16
Shweta Sharma
Pictures of injured children and women are emerging from Gaza after Israeli forces bombarded two schools where many displaced Palestinians were taking shelter.
The schools were largely destroyed in the strikes, which Israel claimed was necessary to destroy Hamas command centres set up in the schools.
The IDF said steps were taken to mitigate the risk of harming civilians prior to the strike, but around 15 people were killed in the two schools.
Three Columbia University deans resign over antisemitic texts
05:02
Shweta Sharma
Three deans of Columbia University have resigned following an investigation over text message exchanges with students, a university spokesperson said.
The messages that took place after en event on campus titled “Jewish Life on Campus: Past, Present, and Future” touched on “ancient antisemitic tropes”.
Cristen Kromm, former dean of undergraduate student life; Matthew Patashnick, former associate dean for student and family support; and Susan Chang-Kim, former vice dean and chief administrative officer, were earlier placed on leave as an investigation proceeded.
The event took place following weeks of protests at Columbia and other campuses around the country over Israel’s war in Gaza, the university administration said in July.
“This incident revealed behavior and sentiments that were not only unprofessional, but also, disturbingly touched on ancient antisemitic tropes,” the university said last month.
ICYMI: Israel intensifies Gaza bombardment as Hezbollah and Iran vow retaliation
05:01
Mike Bedigan
Israel has intensified its bombardment of Gaza, hitting two schools, killing at least 40 people and ordering sweeping evacuations.
It comes as its allies brace for Iran and Hezbollah to retaliate over the killing of two top commanders in Tehran and Beirut.
Catch up with the latest here from Andy Gregory, in case you missed it:
Double missile attack near vessel off coast of Yemen, UKMTO says
04:49
Shweta Sharma
A Liberia-flagged Delta Blue vessel reported a double attack on the vessel off Yemen, with missiles falling around the ship, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said.
The first attack was launched by two small craft that fired a rocket-propelled grenade which exploded near Delta Blue, 45 nautical miles south of Yemen’s Mokha, UKMTO said.
Hours later, another missile exploded in close proximity to the tanker, UKMTO said.
The Liberia-flagged Delta Blue and its crew were safe, and the ship was proceeding to its next port of call, UKMTO said.
Iran-aligned Houthi militants have launched attacks on international shipping near Yemen since November in solidarity with Palestinians in the war between Israel and Hamas.
Read the joint statement from the leaders of the US, Egypt, and Qatar
04:00
Mike Bedigan
The leaders of the US, Egypt and Qatar released a statement on Thursday in which they vowed to “bring immediate relief” to the people of Gaza, those held hostage, and their families.
“The time has come to conclude the ceasefire and hostages and detainees release deal,” the statement read.
“The three of us and our teams have worked tirelessly over many months to forge a framework agreement that is now on the table with only the details of implementation left to conclude. This agreement is based on the principles as outlined by President Biden on May 31, 2024, and endorsed by UN Security Council Resolution 2735.
“There is no further time to waste nor excuses from any party for further delay. It is time to release the hostages, begin the ceasefire, and implement this agreement. As mediators, if necessary, we are prepared to present a final bridging proposal that resolves the remaining implementation issues in a manner that meets the expectations of all parties.
“We have called on both sides to resume urgent discussion on Thursday, August 15 in Doha or Cairo to close all remaining gaps and commence implementation of the deal without further delay.”
The statement was signed by US President Joe Biden, President of the Arab Republic of Egypt Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, and Amir of the State of Qatar HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
World Central Kitchen honors dead worker
03:15
Mike Bedigan
Nadi Salem Awad Salout was killed by an Israeli airstrike on August 7 near Deir al-Balah, Gaza. He was a husband and a father of four young children and an integral part of WCK’s team. Colleagues who worked shoulder to shoulder with Nadi remember him as a honest, dedicated, and… pic.twitter.com/jT2Q2lByIa
— World Central Kitchen (@WCKitchen) August 8, 2024
What could happen if Iran attacks Israel?
02:30
Mike Bedigan
In April following an Israeli attack on the Iranian Embassy compound in Syria, Iran launched 170 bomb-carrying drones, more than 30 cruise missiles and more than 120 ballistic missiles toward Israel.
Israel, the US and other nations shot down many of the projectiles, some of which came from Yemen.
Iran could launch a similar assault, but this time Hezbollah may get involved as the militia seeks revenge for the Israeli strike last week killing senior commander Fouad Shukur.
Such an assault could strain Israeli air defenses, meaning more missile strikes raising the risk of casualties — and of a further escalation experts fear could lead to a wider regional war.
Who are Iran’s regional allies?
01:45
Mike Bedigan
Iran’s arming began in earnest in the 1980s with Shiite forces in Lebanon fighting against Israel. They became the Hezbollah militia.
The arming expanded with the 2003 US-led invasion of Iraq that toppled dictator Saddam Hussein, a longtime foe of Tehran.
Iran strongly backed Syrian President Bashar Assad in his country’s long war. And Iran has continued when the opportunity has arisen, even arming Sunni militants while viewing itself as the world’s defender of Shiite Muslims.
Those relationships are managed by Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, one of the most powerful armed groups in the Middle East.
The militias in Iran’s self-described “Axis of Resistance” include: Iraqi militias, Lebanon’s Hezbollah, Palestinian militant forces and Yemen’s Houthi rebels.
Watch: Israel says it’s ready to defend from Iran attack
01:00
Mike Bedigan
Eight members of World Central Kitchen total killed in Gaza
Friday 9 August 2024 00:15
Mike Bedigan
Nadi Salem Awad Salout, who died following an Israeli airstrike on August 7, was the eighth World Central Kitchen team member to be killed in Gaza.
On April 1, 2024 an IDF airstrike killed Saifeddin Issam Ayad Abutaha of Palestine, John Chapman of Britain, Jacob Flickinger of the US and Canada, Lalzawmi “Zomi” Frankcom of Australia, James Henderson of Britain, James Kirby of Britain, and Damian Soból of Poland.
The seven workers were traveling in a deconflicted zone in two armored cars branded with the WCK logo and a soft skin vehicle.
Images of the burned out vehicle shocked the world after being broadcast.
Wrap: Israel intensifies Gaza bombardment as Hezbollah and Iran vow retaliation
Thursday 8 August 2024 23:45
Mike Bedigan
Israel has intensified its bombardment of Gaza, hitting two schools, killing at least 40 people and ordering sweeping evacuations.
It comes as its allies brace for Iran and Hezbollah to retaliate over the killing of two top commanders in Tehran and Beirut.
Catch up with the latest here from Andy Gregory:
Iranian brothers charged in alleged smuggling operation that led to deaths of 2 Navy SEALs
Thursday 8 August 2024 23:30
Mike Bedigan
Authorities say two men linked to Iran’s Revolutionary Guard are facing terrorism charges in the US in connection with the interception of a vessel in the Arabian Sea that resulted in the deaths of two Navy SEALs.
Read the full story here:
Joint Statement from the Leaders of the United States, Egypt, and Qatar
Thursday 8 August 2024 23:01
Shweta Sharma
The leaders of the US, Egypt and Qatar released a statement on Thursday in which they vowed to “bring immediate relief” to the people of Gaza, those held hostage, and their families.
“The time has come to conclude the ceasefire and hostages and detainees release deal,” the statement read.
“The three of us and our teams have worked tirelessly over many months to forge a framework agreement that is now on the table with only the details of implementation left to conclude. This agreement is based on the principles as outlined by President Biden on May 31, 2024, and endorsed by UN Security Council Resolution 2735.
“There is no further time to waste nor excuses from any party for further delay. It is time to release the hostages, begin the ceasefire, and implement this agreement. As mediators, if necessary, we are prepared to present a final bridging proposal that resolves the remaining implementation issues in a manner that meets the expectations of all parties.
“We have called on both sides to resume urgent discussion on Thursday, August 15 in Doha or Cairo to close all remaining gaps and commence implementation of the deal without further delay.”
The statement was signed by US President Joe Biden, President of the Arab Republic of Egypt Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, and Amir of the State of Qatar HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
16 people killed after Israeli strikes on school complexes
Thursday 8 August 2024 22:45
Mike Bedigan
At least 16 people were killed on Thursday after Israel conducted airstrikes on two school complexes being used to shelter displaced people in the northern Gaza Strip, according to the Palestinian Civil Defense.
Israel’s military said that the attacks were intended to destroy Hamas “command-and-control centers” inside the school compounds, which were in the Tuffah neighborhood of Gaza City, The New York Times reported. The military claimed that it had taken steps “to mitigate the risk of harming civilians.”
A number of other people were still missing beneath the rubble, a spokesman for the Palestinian Civil Defense said.
The attacks in the school compounds were among a series of Israeli airstrikes across Gaza on Thursday that killed at least 40 people and left several others critically injured, the organization added.
World Central Kitchen posts tribute to employee killed in Gaza
Thursday 8 August 2024 22:01
Mike Bedigan
The World Central Kitchen has paid tribute to Nadi Salem Awad Salout, one of its employees who was killed by an Israeli airstrike on August 7 near Deir al-Balah, Gaza.
The charity described the 37-year-old as “an integral member” of its team from the early days of its response and “a humanitarian at his very core.”
Salout joined the World Central Kitchen team in January 2024 when he played a crucial role in setting up the WCK warehouse in Rafah, helping to put systems in place that made the operation more efficient.
He later transferred to a WCK warehouse located in Deir al-Balah and worked around the clock, often staying after hours to receive trucks full of desperately needed supplies, the charity said.
According to witness accounts Salout was fatally injured by shrapnel from an Israeli airstrike that used seven missiles to target multiple buildings. He was alone in his vehicle on his way home after work in one of our WCK warehouses.
“WCK colleagues who worked shoulder to shoulder with Nadi remember him as a honest, dedicated, and diligent teammate whose humor brought joy to everyone around him, even in the darkest of circumstances,” a WCK statement read.
“They describe his approach to providing humanitarian aid, despite innumerable obstacles, as full of hope and optimism. Nadi’s closest colleagues and the entire WCK family are mourning this tremendous loss.”
WCK CEO Erin Gore added, “Our thoughts and support are with our colleagues working in unimaginable circumstances and grieving the loss of an amazing human.”
Salout was a husband and a father of four young children.
Who is Yahya Sinwar, the new leader of Hamas?
Thursday 8 August 2024 20:18
Andy Gregory
Yahya Sinwar, the mastermind behind the Oct. 7 attacks on Israel, has been announced as the new leader of the militant group Hamas.
He rose to the top position after the killing of the previous leader, Ismail Haniyeh, in an explosion in Iran that has been blamed on Israel.
Here is a profile of the new leader:
Italy’s Meloni urges Iran to avoid further escalation with Israel
Thursday 8 August 2024 19:42
Andy Gregory
Italy’s premier Giorgia Meloni has urged Iranian president Masoud Pezeshkian to avoid escalation, her office has said.
During the phone call on Thursday, Ms Meloni “emphasised the need to prevent the expansion of the ongoing conflict in Gaza, including with reference to Lebanon, urging her counterpart to avoid further escalation and to reopen the path to dialogue”, the statement said.
Cyprus says it is ready to offer sanctuary if Middle East conflict deepens
Thursday 8 August 2024 19:01
Andy Gregory
Cyprus has announced that it is on standby to assist in the evacuation of Europeans and third-country nationals if conflict in the Middle East deepens.
“We are ready, we have activated a specific plan, ESTIA, which has been tried and tested,” Cyprus’ deputy government spokesperson Yiannis Antoniou said, amid fears of tensions in the Middle East escalating into a regional conflict.
“In the event we are asked to assist other countries who may be moving their nationals from the crisis area home, we are in a position to host them for a few days until they are repatriated,” he said.
Mr Antoniou told Reuters close to 10 countries had made inquiries on the scheme, but that there had been no specific formal request. If a mass evacuation plan does transpire it would largely be by air, he said, adding: “We have the capacity, the infrastructure.”
Cyprus played a crucial role as an evacuation hub for about 30,000 people who left Lebanon during a flare-up in hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah in 2006.
Mr Antoniou added: “Historically we have very good relations with all our neighbours, so we try to utilise this special role we have and want Cyprus to be a pillar of safety and stability, and act as a bridge of cooperation and peace.”
Iraq says five arrested over attack at military base in which US troops were wounded
Thursday 8 August 2024 18:14
Andy Gregory
Iraqi security forces have arrested five people in connection with an attack this week at a military base in Iraq in which five US troops and two US contractors were wounded.
“After in-depth legal investigations and listening to witnesses’ statements ... five of those involved in this illegal act were arrested,” Iraqi security officials said in a statement.
Monday’s attack saw two Katyusha rockets fired at Ain al-Asad airbase, as the Middle East braced for a possible new wave of attacks by Iran and its allies following last week’s killing of senior members of militant groups Hamas and Hezbollah. It was unclear whether the incident in Iraq was linked.
Netanyahu meets West Bank settlers to discuss international sanctions against them
Thursday 8 August 2024 17:28
Andy Gregory
Israeli premier Benjamin Netanyahu has met with West Bank settler leaders to address their concerns about international sanctions against them, his office has said.
From the Kirya military base in Tel Aviv, Mr Netanyahu spoke with the heads of various Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank and said he takes “very seriously” the financial and travel sanctions against those accused of attacks on Palestinians.
“We are working to stop it,” Mr Netanyahu said of the high-level sanctions imposed earlier this year on violent settlers and settler organisations by the UK, US, EU and Canada. “This is a matter for the entire State of Israel and not just the settlements council,” he added.
Mr Netanyahu’s office claimed that the Jewish settlers expressed “strong support” for the prime minister and gratitude for “his firm stand in the face of domestic and foreign pressures”.
Kamala Harris did not agree to discuss arms embargo on Israel, aide says
Thursday 8 August 2024 16:45
Andy Gregory
US vice president Kamala Harris did not agree to discuss imposing an arms embargo on Israel during an exchange with pro-Palestinian activists, an aide has said.
The Uncommitted National Movement said late on Wednesday that the Democratic presidential candidate had “shared her sympathies and expressed an openness to a meeting with Uncommitted leaders to discuss an arms embargo” during the interaction while campaigning in Detroit.
But the aide, who spoke to Reuters on condition of anonymity, said Ms Harris did not express a willingness to discuss an arms embargo.
A campaign spokesperson said the vice president did tell members of the Muslim and Palestinian community she would continue to engage with them on the war between Israel and Palestinian militants Hamas in Gaza, which local officials say has killed nearly 40,000 people.
“[The vice president] has been clear: she will always ensure Israel is able to defend itself against Iran and Iran-backed terrorist groups,” said Ms Harris’s national security adviser, Phil Gordon. “She does not support an arms embargo on Israel. She will continue to work to protect civilians in Gaza and to uphold international humanitarian law.”
Houthis says they will coordinate response to Israeli attacks with ‘axis of resistance’
Thursday 8 August 2024 15:50
Andy Gregory
Yemen’s Houthis will coordinate with other members of the so-called “Axis of Resistance” in any joint operation to respond to Israel’s attacks, the group’s leader Abdul Malik al-Houthi has said.
Any decision to respond will be made by the axis as a whole, the group’s leader claimed, as Israel awaits a possible retaliation by Tehran and Hezbollah for the presumed Israeli killings of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh and Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr, in Tehran and Beirut respectively.
The so-called axis is the name used by Iran and its allies for groups aligned with Tehran, such as Hezbollah and the Houthis.
Israel orders another evacuation in Khan Younis
Thursday 8 August 2024 15:22
Andy Gregory
The Israeli military has reportedly ordered another mass evacuation in southern Gaza.
Issuing the orders on Thursday, Israel warned its forces would soon operate in the affected areas in response to Palestinian rocket fire.
The evacuation order covers large areas in and around Khan Younis, Gaza’s second-largest city, which suffered widespread destruction during Israeli air and ground operations earlier this year.
The Associated Press captured footage showing loud blasts and smoke rising over the city on Thursday.
Saudi Arabia condemns Hamas leader’s assassination in Iran as a ‘flagrant violation’ of international law
Thursday 8 August 2024 14:54
Andy Gregory
Saudi Arabia has condemned the presumed Israeli killing of a Hamas leader in Tehran as a “flagrant violation” of international law.
In a statement issued early on Thursday following an emergency foreign minister-level meeting of the 57-nation strong Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, Saudi Arabia’s deputy foreign minister Waleed ElKhereiji warned the killing posed a threat to regional peace.
The assassination of Ismail Haniyeh was a “flagrant violation of the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national security of the Islamic Republic of Iran, as well as international law and the Charter of the United Nations, and constitutes a threat to regional peace and security”, said Mr ElKhereiji.
Israel says it struck two schools in Gaza, with reports of 12 people killed
Thursday 8 August 2024 14:25
Andy Gregory
The Israeli military has said it struck Hamas command centres embedded in the areas of two schools in the Gaza Strip, which it claims were used to carry out attacks against Israeli troops.
The Palestinian civil defence service said 12 people had been killed in strikes on two schools in eastern Gaza.
“Prior to the strike, numerous steps were taken to mitigate the risk of harming civilians, including the use of precise munitions, surveillance, and additional intelligence,” the military said.
“The school compounds were used by Hamas terrorists and commanders as command-and-control centres, from which they planned and carried out attacks against Israel Defence Forces troops and the state of Israel,” it said.
Germany joins UK and EU in condemning Israeli minister’s comment about starvation in Gaza
Thursday 8 August 2024 14:02
Andy Gregory
Germany's ambassador to Israel, Steffen Siebert, has condemned claims by Israel’s finance minister that it could be “just and moral” to allow Palestinians to starve as being “unacceptable and appalling”.
Bezalel Smotrich said on Monday: “It’s not possible in today’s global reality to manage a war – no-one will allow us to starve two million people, even though that might be just and moral until they return the hostages.”
Amid outrage from Britain and the European Union, Mr Siebert said: “It is a principle of international law and of humanity to protect civilians in a war and to give them access to water and food.”
Italy’s flagship airline extends suspension of flights to and from Tel Aviv
Thursday 8 August 2024 13:38
Andy Gregory
Italy’s flagship airline ITA Airways has again extended its suspension of flights to and from Tel Aviv until Saturday, having initially put the ban in place until Tuesday.
The airline said it was taking the measure “due to the geopolitical developments in the Middle East and to ensure the safety of its passengers and crews”.
Israel kills 25 Palestinians in Gaza airstrikes, medics say
Thursday 8 August 2024 13:10
Reuters
Israeli forces stepped up strikes across the Gaza Strip on Thursday, killing at least 25 people, Palestinian medics said, in further battle with Hamas-led militants as Israel braces for potential wider war in the region.
Israeli airstrikes hit a cluster of houses in central Gaza’s Al-Bureij camp, killing at least 15 people, and the nearby Al-Nuseirat camp, killed four, medics said.
Israeli aircraft also bombed a house in the heart of Gaza City in the north, killing five Palestinians, while another airstrike in the southern city of Khan Younis killed one person and wounded others, according to medics.
The armed wings of Hamas and Islamic Jihad said they were firing anti-tank rockets and mortar bombs at Israeli forces operating across Gaza, causing deaths and injuries among them.
Israel’s military said it had struck dozens of military targets across Gaza over the past 24 hours, including rocket launching pads.
UK and EU condemn Israeli minister’s claim that starving Palestinians ‘might be just and moral'
Thursday 8 August 2024 12:46
Andy Gregory
The UK and EU have both condemned claims by Israel’s finance minister that allowing the nearly two million Palestinians trapped in Gaza to starve “might be just and moral” until Israeli hostages are returned home.
Bezalel Smotrich said in a speech on Monday that Israel had no choice but to send humanitarian aid into Gaza, saying: “It’s not possible in today’s global reality to manage a war – no-one will allow us to starve two million people, even though that might be just and moral until they return the hostages.”
The European Union condemned his remarks, noting that the “deliberate starvation of civilians is a war crime”, with the bloc’s foreign policy chief Josep Borrell saying the “beyond ignominious” remarks demonstrate, “once again, his contempt for international law and for basic principles of humanity”.
Britain’s foreign secretary David Lammy said “there can be no justification for Minister Smotrich’s remarks”, adding: “We expect the wider Israeli government to retract and condemn them.”
Norway reveals ‘extreme’ Israeli decision to stop accrediting diplomats serving Palestine
Thursday 8 August 2024 12:05
Andy Gregory
Israel has notified Oslo that it will no longer accredit Norwegian diplomats serving the occupied Palestinian territories, Norway’s foreign ministry has announced – calling it “an extreme act” by the Israeli government.
Norway is now considering its response to the situation, Norway’s foreign affars minister Espen Barth Eide said.
“This is an extreme act that primarily affects our ability to help the Palestinian population,” he said, adding: “Today’s decision will have consequences for our relationship with the Netanyahu government.”
Israel warns of disproportionate response to Hezbollah if civilians are harmed
Thursday 8 August 2024 11:30
Andy Gregory
Israel has warned that its response will be disproportionate if Hezbollah harms Israeli civilians in its retaliation for the killing of its commander in Beirut, officials have claimed.
Axios quoted an Israeli official as saying: “In the internal discussions with the US, Israel stressed that the cost of another Hezbollah mishap would be heavy and that Hezbollah would pay a disproportionate price if it harmed civilians as part of its retaliation.”
Number of Palestinians killed in Gaza nears 40,000, health ministry says
Thursday 8 August 2024 11:05
Andy Gregory
More than 39,699 Palestinians have been killed and 91,722 have been injured in Gaza since the war started in October, the Hamas-run health ministry has said.
Canada to pull children of diplomats out of Israel, report says
Thursday 8 August 2024 10:27
Andy Gregory
The Canadian government has decided to pull the children and guardians of its diplomats out of Israel, amid fears of a widened conflict in the Middle East, the Canadian Press reported.
Global Affairs Canada said it has approved the temporary relocation of the diplomats’ children and their guardians to a safe third country, in a statement cited in the Canadian Press. Diplomats stationed in Ramallah in the West Bank and in Beirut do not have dependents living with them, the statement said.
It came just days after Canada warned its citizens to avoid all travel to Israel, citing the ongoing regional conflict and unpredictable security situation. It also urges its citizens to not travel to Gaza and the West Bank.
The embassies in Tel Aviv and Beirut and the representative office to the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank “all remain fully operational and continue to provide essential services to Canadians,” the Canadian government said.
US claims to strike Houthi targets in Yemen
Thursday 8 August 2024 10:00
Andy Gregory
US military forces have struck at targets in Houthi-controlled Yemen in the past 24 hours, destroying two drones, a ground control station, and three anti-ship cruise missiles, Washington’s military command in the Middle East has said.
The US Central Command said of the strikes: “These weapons presented a clear and imminent threat to U.S. and coalition forces, and merchant vessels in the region.”
This “reckless and dangerous behavior” by the Houthis threatened regional stability, the US said, but gave no further details and did not confirm that any US vessels had been attacked.
Earlier, the Iran-aligned Houthis said they had attacked a container ship in the Red Sea and two US destroyers in the Gulf of Aden on Wednesday. A US official said there was no data or information to corroborate the Houthis’ claim that the two warships had been attacked.
Intelligence suggests Hezbollah could strike Israel independently of Iran, US report claims
Thursday 8 August 2024 09:30
Andy Gregory
It is increasingly likely that Hezbollah may strike Israel independently of however Iran opts to retaliate for the suspected Israeli assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran last week, according to a US news report, citing sources with knowledge of intelligence on the matter.
With Israel also killing a Hamas commander in Beirut last week, the Lebanese militants are moving more quickly than Iran in planning its retaliation and is looking to strike Israel in the coming days, CNN cited one of the sources as saying.
The outlet also quoted a US military official as asserting that Iran has made some – but not all – of the preparations which Washington would expect to see in advance of a major attack on Israel.
While it is unclear whether Iran and Hezbollah are coordinating on their possible retaliations, some officials are claimed to believe the two allies may not be totally aligned on how to progress – with Hezbollah’s proximity to Israel meaning it could launch an attack with less notice than Tehran.
World Central Kitchen releases picture of staff member killed in Gaza
Thursday 8 August 2024 09:00
Shweta Sharma
World Central Kitchen has released an image of its charity worker Nadi Sallout, saying he was killed in Gaza.
WCK said he was “an integral member of our warehouse team from the early days of our response in Rafah and a humanitarian at his very core”.
One of our Palestinian colleagues, Nadi Sallout, was killed tonight near Deir al-Balah, Gaza. He was an integral member of our warehouse team from the early days of our response in Rafah and a humanitarian at his very core. We are still learning the details of this tragedy, but… pic.twitter.com/XlBmenqYig
— World Central Kitchen (@WCKitchen) August 7, 2024
The WCK has blamed Israel for the deaths of seven staff members in airstrikes on Gaza.
The IDF has neither confirmed nor denied whether its strike killed Sallout.
In a statement to The Independent, the IDF said: “The Israeli military is looking into the incident”.
Japan to stick to decision to exclude Israel despite G7 boycott
Thursday 8 August 2024 08:30
Shweta Sharma
Nagasaki’s mayor said he would stick to a decision to exclude Israel‘s ambassador from Friday’s event to mark the city’s atomic bombing, though senior diplomats of the United States and other Group of Seven nations said the snub would keep them away.
Their absence could embarrass Japanese prime minister Fumio Kishida, set to attend the annual event, which typically draws less attention than one held in Hiroshima three days earlier to mark the first-ever use of nuclear weapons.
“It’s not that we haven’t issued an invitation to the Israeli ambassador for political reasons, but rather, we want to conduct the ceremony smoothly in a calm and solemn atmosphere,” said Nagasaki’s mayor, Shiro Suzuki.
“There has been no change in that judgment,” he added, but did not elaborate.
The exclusion puts Israel on a list of uninvited countries that includes Russia and Belarus, although its ambassador, Gilad Cohen, attended this year’s ceremony in Hiroshima.
“Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and Israel‘s self-defence are not morally equivalent,” US ambassador Rahm Emanuel said, in a comment provided by the embassy in Tokyo.
“Unfortunately, because of the mayor’s decision, the message of that ceremony and memorial will be distracted and deflected.”
Japan’s chief government spokesperson, Yoshimasa Hayashi, declined to comment when asked about the matter at a regular press briefing on Thursday.
Israel‘s embassy in Tokyo did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Last month, Emanuel and other G7 ambassadors, including those of Britain, Canada, France, Germany and Italy, along with the European Union representative, sent a letter to Suzuki expressing concern at Israel‘s exclusion.
The grouping of major democracies has urged restraint and de-escalation in the Middle East amid heightened tension, but stays committed to supporting Israel.
Eight decades after the atomic bombings precipitated Japan’s surrender to end World War Two, the anniversaries in Nagasaki and Hiroshima, which is Kishida’s hometown, still evoke strong feelings in Japan.
1,000 British personnel on standby in Lebanon to evacuate citizens
Thursday 8 August 2024 07:54
Shweta Sharma
British nationals in Lebanon could be evacuated soon with more than 1,000 military personnel on standby, Sky News reported, as fears of tensions between Iran and Israel escalate.
Soldiers, Royal Marine commandos, sailors and aviators have been moved to the Royal Air Force (RAF) base in Cyprus which would be used as a key point for any evacuation mission, it said.
Whitehall officials have drawn up an emergency plan that would include the use of two vessels: HMS Duncan, a Type 45 destroyer, and a large support ship, RFA Cardigan Bay.
Plans are being made amid fears of Iran and Hezbollah in Lebanon launching a retaliatory strike against Israel after the Hamas chief was killed in Tehran.
Britain has also joined Egypt in asking their airlines to avoid Iranian and Lebanese airspace.
Israel claims Hamas commander eliminated in Gaza
Thursday 8 August 2024 07:19
Shweta Sharma
The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) and the Israel Securities Authority have announced they have eliminated senior Hamas commander Nael Sakhl in the Gaza Strip.
Sakhl, who was believed to be playing a key role in Hamas’s West Bank Headquarters, was killed during a joint operation on 24 July, the IDF said today after receiving intelligence confirming his death.
The Israel Defense Force announced this morning, that a Joint Strike between the IDF and Shin Bet on July 24th in the Gaza Strip resulted in the Elimination of Nael Sakhl, a Senior Commander with Hamas’s West Bank Headquarters who for over a Decade has Directed Terror Attacks… pic.twitter.com/lNUdYkBbfG
— OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) August 8, 2024
The IDF said he played a role in “directing terror activities and supplying weapons to cells carrying out attacks against Israeli civilians and IDF soldiers”.
“This successful mission is a testament to the dedication and bravery of our forces in ensuring the safety and security of our nation,” it said.
UK joins Egypt in issuing warning to avoid Iranian and Lebanese airspace
Thursday 8 August 2024 06:43
Shweta Sharma
Britain has joined Egypt in asking their airlines to avoid Iranian and Lebanese airspace amid growing fears of a possible broader conflict in the region after the killing of senior members of militant groups Hamas and Hezbollah.
Britain’s advisory to its airlines to avoid Lebanon’s airspace came hours after Egypt instructed all of its airlines to avoid Iran’s airspace for three hours in the early morning on Thursday.
Airlines globally are revising their schedules to avoid Iranian and Lebanese airspace while also calling off flights to Israel and Lebanon.
Flights through conflict zones became a prominent industry safety issue a decade ago after Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 was shot down over Ukraine, killing all 298 people on board.
United Airlines said on Wednesday that its flights to Tel Aviv, which were paused on 31 July due to security concerns, remained suspended.
British carriers are not flying to Lebanon currently, according to flight tracking website Flightradar24.
Egypt’s NOTAM, a safety notice provided to pilots, said the instruction would be in effect from 1am to 4am GMT on Thursday.
“All Egyptian carriers shall avoid overflying Tehran (Flight Information Region). No flight plan will be accepted overflying such territory,” the notice said, referring to the three-hour period specified.
Iran will respond to Hamas leader’s killing at ‘right time’
Thursday 8 August 2024 06:20
Shweta Sharma
Iran will respond to the killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh at the “right time” and in the “appropriate” manner, the acting foreign minister said, as intense diplomacy continues to defuse tensions in the Middle East.
Baqeri Ali Bagheri Kani made the comments during an emergency meeting organised by the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), a group of states with Muslim-majority populations.
He said “it is expected” that the members will support Iran’s response to the killing.
“Iran’s action is not only a defence of its own sovereignty and national security but also a defence of the stability and security of the entire region,” he said.
The meeting was convened in Saudi Arabia to discuss Iran’s response to Haniyeh’s assassination in Tehran last week.
The US said it expected OIC members to caution Tehran against taking “steps to escalate the conflict”.
Releasing a statement, the OIC said it holds Israel “fully responsible” for the “heinous attack” and described it as “a serious infringement” of Iran’s sovereignty.
18 killed after tents bombed in Khan Younis - report
Thursday 8 August 2024 05:36
Shweta Sharma
At least 18 people have been killed after Israel bombed areas in southern Gaza which have been designated humanitarian “safe zones”, Al Jazeera reported today.
Some of those killed were burned alive after the Israeli strikes hit tents sheltering people displaced in n Khan Younis.
Multiple pre-dawn strikes have been reported in Khan Younis in southern Gaza, days after Israeli forces withdrew from the area, it said.
French president urges Netanyahu ‘avoid a cycle of reprisals’ in Middle East
Thursday 8 August 2024 05:30
Shweta Sharma
French president Emmanuel Macron has urged Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu to “avoid a cycle of reprisals” in the Middle East amid growing tensions, his office said.
In a telephone call yesterday, Mr Macron told Mr Netanyahu that a cycle is putting the populations and “stability of the region at risk”.
The French presidency said a war between Israel and Lebanon “would have destructive consequences for the entire region”.
“Faced with rising tensions on the border between Israel and Lebanon, every effort must be made... to avoid a regional conflagration,” the statement said.
Mr Macron also told Mr Netanyahu that “the immediate achievement of a ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all hostages” and delivery of humanitarian aid to the people remains the “absolute priority” for France.
It was a day after he told the Iranian president “to do everything in his power to avoid a new military escalation, which would be in nobody’s interest, including Iran’s”.
UK pledges £6m aid for Gazans amid continuing efforts to quell tensions
Thursday 8 August 2024 05:00
David Lynch
The UK will pledge £6 million towards aid in Gaza, as a Foreign Office minister calls for peace in the Middle East during a visit to Jordan.
Anneliese Dodds, the international development minister, has pledged a package of food, water, health, education and wellbeing support for Gazans.
She is visiting Jordan to meet ministers and discuss how the UK and its ally can work together on brokering a peace in the Israel-Hamas conflict, as well as quelling other regional tensions.
Canada to pull children of diplomats out of Israel
Thursday 8 August 2024 04:32
Shweta Sharma
The Canadian government has said it will evacuate all the children of its diplomats out of Israel amid fears of escalating tensions.
Global Affairs Canada said it has approved the temporary relocation of the diplomats’ children and their guardians to a safe third country, according to Canadian media.
It added that diplomats stationed in Ramallah in the West Bank and in Beirut do not have dependents living with them.
It comes as Canada last week warned citizens to avoid all travel to Israel, citing the ongoing regional conflict and unpredictable security situation. It also urges its citizens to not travel to Gaza and the West Bank.
Israel‘s tensions with Iran and Hezbollah have fanned fears of a broader conflict in a region already on edge amid Israel‘s assault on Gaza which has killed tens of thousands and caused a humanitarian crisis, including widespread hunger.
There has been an increased risk of escalation into a broader Middle East war after the killings of Palestinian Islamist group Hamas’ leader Ismail Haniyeh in Iran and of Hezbollah military commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut drew threats of retaliation against Israel.
US asks Israel to investigate alleged sexual abuse video of Palestinian prisoner
Thursday 8 August 2024 04:09
Shweta Sharma
The US has urged Israel to probe the allegations of sexual abuse of a Palestinian prisoner after leaked surveillance footage purported to show an assault by masked soldiers.
State Department spokesperson said there ought to be “zero tolerance of any sexual abuse, rape, of any detainees, period”.
Israeli military police have arrested 10 soldiers on suspicion of their involvement in the abuse of a Palestinian detainee in a deserted military prison, Sde Teiman, where Israel is holding Palestinians detained in Gaza.
“We have seen the video and reports of sexual abuse of detainees are horrific,” Matthew Miller told reporters.
“Prisoners’ human rights need to be respected in all cases, and when there are alleged violations, the government of Israel needs to take steps to investigate those who are alleged to have committed abuses and, if appropriate, hold them accountable,” Miller said.
US ambassador to Japan to skip A-bomb memorial service in Nagasaki because Israel was not invited
Thursday 8 August 2024 04:00
Mari Yamaguchi
U.S. Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel will skip this year’s atomic bombing memorial service in Nagasaki because Israel was not invited, the embassy said Wednesday.
Emanuel will not attend the event on Friday because it was “politicized” by Nagasaki’s decision not to invite Israel, the embassy said.
He will instead honor the victims of the Nagasaki atomic bombing at a ceremony at a Buddhist temple in Tokyo, it said.
