Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has cut short his visit to the US following a deadly strike on a football pitch in the occupied Golan Heights. He is expected to convene the security Cabinet upon his return to Israel. An agreement for a six-week ceasefire in exchange for the release of hostages by Hamas is reportedly close. The United Nations has warned that further escalation of strikes between Israel and Lebanon could lead to a catastrophic regional conflagration. The US has condemned the attacks on Israel but has not directly accused Hezbollah. The UN peacekeeping mission, Unifil, urged maximum restraint from all sides to prevent further escalation.
Israeli warplanes retaliated against Hezbollah in Lebanon after a deadly rocket attack that killed 12 people in the Golan Heights. Israel’s foreign ministry accused Hezbollah of crossing all red lines with the attack. However, Hezbollah denied responsibility for the strike. Iran has warned Israel against any new military actions in Lebanon. The Golan Heights attack targeted the town of Majdal Shams, resulting in casualties, mainly children and teenagers. A wave of Israeli airstrikes in Gaza has killed scores of people, including civilians seeking shelter in a school. Hamas has condemned the attacks as crimes against humanity.
The UN has reported dire conditions in Gaza due to the intensified hostilities, including forced displacement of residents and inadequate access to water, hygiene, and sanitation. Israeli officials have criticized US Vice President Kamala Harris for demanding an immediate ceasefire, fearing it may jeopardize negotiations. CIA Director William Burns is set to meet with Israeli and Egyptian counterparts and Qatar’s prime minister to discuss a Gaza ceasefire and the release of hostages by Hamas.
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