Netanyahu claims drone was intended for assassination

Israel’s government has reported an attempted drone attack on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s residence, resulting in no casualties. The attack occurred amidst ongoing conflict with Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in Gaza following the killing of the Hamas leader responsible for last year’s October 7 attack.

Israel’s military confirmed that numerous projectiles were launched from Lebanon following Hezbollah’s declaration of a new phase in the fighting. Netanyahu’s office stated that the drone targeted his home in Caesarea, but neither he nor his wife were present at the time. The extent of the damage to the house remains unclear.

“The proxies of Iran who attempted to assassinate me and my wife today have made a grave mistake,” Netanyahu remarked.

While Hezbollah did not claim responsibility for the drone attack, the group did carry out multiple rocket strikes on Israel. This escalation comes in response to Iran’s recent attack, as Iran supports both Hezbollah and Hamas.

Israel retaliated with at least 10 airstrikes on Hezbollah targets in Beirut’s southern suburbs of Dahiyeh, a densely populated area housing Hezbollah offices, according to Lebanese authorities. The U.S. Defense Secretary, Lloyd Austin, expressed concern over the high number of civilian casualties in Lebanon and urged Israel to reduce its strikes, particularly in and around Beirut.

Meanwhile, in Gaza, Israeli forces targeted hospitals in the northern part of the Palestinian enclave, resulting in the death of over 50 individuals, including children, within a 24-hour period, as reported by hospital officials and an Associated Press journalist on the ground.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, during a visit to Turkey, emphasized the ongoing threat of war in the region. The Group of Seven defense ministers also cautioned against further escalation and the potential for an all-out conflict.

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New rounds of airstrikes

Israel’s military confirmed that around 200 projectiles were fired from Lebanon following Hezbollah’s announcement of plans to deploy more guided missiles and drones. The leader of the militant group, Hassan Nasrallah, was killed in an Israeli airstrike in September, prompting Israel to send ground troops into Lebanon earlier this month.

One individual in northern Israel was killed by shrapnel, while four others sustained injuries, according to Israel’s medical services.

Lebanon’s National News Agency reported that an Israeli airstrike on an apartment in the eastern village of Baaloul resulted in the deaths of five individuals, including the mayor of a nearby village. The IDF confirmed strikes in the Bekaa Valley.

Lebanon’s health ministry announced that an Israeli airstrike on a vehicle north of Beirut led to the deaths of two individuals. Israel also claimed responsibility for killing Hezbollah’s deputy commander in Bint Jbeil, a town in southern Lebanon. The army stated that the deceased, Nasser Rashid, oversaw attacks on Israel.

Israel has issued daily evacuation warnings for residents in certain parts of Lebanon. The conflict has displaced over a million people, including around 400,000 children.

Israel distributes leaflets depicting Sinwar’s death

Israel’s military dropped leaflets in southern Gaza showing the deceased Hamas leader, Yahya Sinwar, with blood running down his forehead. The leaflets accused Sinwar of causing harm to the population and offered amnesty to individuals who surrender and release hostages taken during a raid on Israel over a year ago.

Both Israel and Hamas have shown resistance to ending the conflict following Sinwar’s death. Hamas reiterated that hostages will only be released after a cease-fire and Israeli troops withdrawal, while Netanyahu vowed to continue military operations in Gaza until the hostages are freed and to prevent Hamas from regaining strength.

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According to local health authorities, Israel’s offensive in Gaza has resulted in the deaths of over 42,000 Palestinians, with more than half of the casualties being women and children.

Additional airstrikes hit Gaza on Saturday, leading to the disruption of internet networks in the northern region, according to Palestinian communications company Paltel.

Israeli strikes targeted the upper floors of the Indonesian Hospital in Beit Lahiya, causing panic among patients and staff. The U.N. reported that two patients died due to a lack of supplies and power outages in the facility.

Further reports indicated that strikes hit Al-Awda hospital in Jabaliya, injuring several staff members. The hospital’s ambulances and courtyard were also damaged, resulting in injuries to four individuals, including a medic.

In Jabaliya, three houses were struck overnight, resulting in the deaths of at least 30 individuals, with the majority being women and children. Around 80 people were injured in the attacks.

Residents in Jabaliya reported being forcibly evacuated by Israeli forces, with many young men taken for questioning before being released.

Israel’s military characterized the evacuation as a necessary security measure and confirmed the detention of militants for interrogation.

Reports also emerged of a U.N. school housing displaced individuals near Gaza City being hit, resulting in multiple casualties, according to Hamas-run civil defense responders.

Throughout Gaza, additional strikes claimed the lives of multiple individuals, including children, in various locations such as Zawayda and the Maghazi refugee camp.

The conflict has left Gaza in ruins, displacing the vast majority of its population and leaving civilians struggling to access essential resources such as food, water, medicine, and fuel.

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