Israel Gaza War Live Updates: Lebanon, Hezbollah agree to US proposal for ceasefire with Israel

Israel-War Live Updates: Hezbollah warns Israel of long battle, seeks full sovereignty in ceasefire talks

Hezbollah’s chief, Naim Qassem, stated that the group would not accept any ceasefire agreement that undermines Lebanon’s sovereignty, rejecting Israeli conditions for freedom to act against the movement. Qassem emphasised the need for a comprehensive end to the aggression and reaffirmed Hezbollah’s position that Israel cannot impose conditions on them. His comments came after US envoy Amos Hochstein's visit to Beirut aimed at brokering a ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel. Qassem also warned that any ceasefire would depend on Israel’s seriousness, adding that Hezbollah was prepared for a long war of attrition. Meanwhile, Hezbollah has vowed to contribute to Lebanon’s presidential election process, which has been stalled for over two years.

Israel-War Live Updates: US vetoes UN ceasefire resolution in Gaza, citing risks of bolstering Hamas

The United States vetoed a UN Security Council resolution on Wednesday calling for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza, citing concerns that such a move would embolden Hamas. The resolution demanded a halt to the war, the unconditional release of hostages, and humanitarian aid access. US officials insisted on linking a ceasefire to hostage releases, angering Israel's UN ambassador, who labelled the resolution a betrayal. The veto follows a series of failed attempts by the Security Council to reach consensus since the conflict began in October 2023, which has caused widespread displacement and humanitarian disaster in Gaza.

The war, sparked by Hamas's October 7 cross-border attack on Israel, has resulted in over 43,985 deaths in Gaza, according to UN-verified figures, and 1,206 fatalities in Israel. Diplomatic efforts have been stalled by US, Russian, and Chinese vetoes, while a multi-stage ceasefire plan proposed earlier this year failed to gain traction. As President Joe Biden's term nears its end, some diplomats hope for greater flexibility, recalling a precedent set during Barack Obama’s administration in 2016. Palestinian representatives have warned of dire consequences, urging the Security Council to take decisive action under Chapter 7 of the UN charter.

Israel-War Live Updates: Hezbollah rejects ceasefire that violates Lebanese sovereignty amid Israeli demands

Hezbollah's peputy chief Naim Qassem declared on Wednesday that his group would reject any ceasefire violating Lebanese sovereignty, as Israel insisted on retaining freedom to act against the Iran-backed organisation. Qassem, in a pre-recorded speech, called for a complete end to Israeli aggression and emphasised that Israel cannot dictate terms or invade Lebanon at will. This statement coincided with US envoy Amos Hochstein’s mediation efforts in Beirut to broker a ceasefire, where he met with Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, a Hezbollah ally. The Lebanese side shared its comments on the US-proposed truce terms, underlining its alignment with Berri's stance.

Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Saar maintained that any truce must allow Israel operational freedom in response to Hezbollah actions. Qassem linked the prospects of a ceasefire to Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s seriousness and suggested further escalation by warning of strikes on central Tel Aviv. Hezbollah’s remarks followed Israeli airstrikes on central Beirut districts, which resulted in the death of Hezbollah spokesman Mohammed Afif and four members of his media team.

Israel 'cannot impose its conditions on us,' says Hezbollah chief

Israel-War Live Updates: Israel's military says it is Targeting Hezbollah, not Lebanese army, after fatal strikes

Israel's military clarified Wednesday that its operations in Lebanon were focused on the militant group Hezbollah, not the Lebanese army, after the latter reported that four of its soldiers were killed in Israeli strikes. "We emphasise that the (Israeli army) is operating precisely against the Hezbollah terrorist organisation and is not operating against the Lebanon Armed Forces," the military stated in an official comment to AFP.

Israel-War Live Updates: No evidence of nuclear material at Parchin site hit by Israel in Airstrike on Iran, says UN atomic watchdog chief

There is no evidence to suggest that the part of the Parchin military complex hit by Israeli airstrikes last month contained nuclear material or was a nuclear facility, according to Rafael Grossi, head of the U.N. atomic watchdog. Grossi’s statement came in response to a question regarding Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's claim on Monday that Israel had targeted a specific component of Iran's nuclear programme.

Israel-War Live Updates: US envoy Amos Hochstein pushes for Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire

US envoy Amos Hochstein is in Lebanon attempting to negotiate a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, following a surge in conflict that has been ongoing since late September. The US and France have been leading efforts to broker a truce, with key figures such as Hezbollah-allied Speaker Nabih Berri and Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati involved in the talks. While progress has been reported, the Israeli government, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, insists on continuing military operations against Hezbollah even if a ceasefire is reached. The conflict has already caused extensive casualties, with over 43,000 reported deaths in Gaza and more than 3,500 in Lebanon.

The violence between Hezbollah and Israel intensified after Hamas's October 7 assault on Israel, prompting Israeli military operations in both Gaza and southern Lebanon. Despite the diplomatic efforts, the situation remains volatile, with Israeli forces targeting Hezbollah strongholds in Lebanon and Hezbollah launching numerous attacks on Israeli troops. As the US works to mediate a truce, questions remain over the future of military operations and the role of the Lebanese army, which has suffered casualties despite not engaging in direct combat.

Israel-War Live Updates: Israeli strike targets Palmyra, reports of casualties in central Syria

Syrian state news agency reported an Israeli attack on Wednesday targeting residential buildings and the industrial zone in Palmyra, a city in central Syria.

Initial reports indicate a number of people have been wounded, though further details are yet to emerge. Explosions were heard earlier in the vicinity, according to state media.

Israel-War Live Updates: Israeli army Claims over 100 strikes in Lebanon, killing two Hezbollah commanders

The Israeli military announced on Wednesday that it had struck more than 100 "terror targets" in Lebanon over the past 24 hours. The operations targeted "launchers, weapons storage facilities, command centres, and military structures," the army said in a statement.

Additionally, the military confirmed the elimination of two Hezbollah commanders at the weekend. "On Sunday, the (air force) eliminated the commanders of Hezbollah's anti-tank missile and operations unit in the coastal sector," the statement read, adding that they were "responsible for terror attacks against Israeli civilians."

Israel-War Live Updates: Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem to deliver speech amid diplomatic efforts

Hezbollah announced that its leader, Naim Qassem, is set to deliver a speech on Wednesday. This comes a day after a similar address was unexpectedly cancelled. The announcement coincides with US envoy Amos Hochstein’s visit to Beirut, aimed at brokering an end to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.

A statement from the Iran-backed organisation confirmed, "The speech by Qassem would be 'today'," though it did not provide a specific time.

Israel-War Live Updates: Israeli strikes intensify in Gaza, killing 15, including rescue worker

At least 15 Palestinians, including a rescue worker, were killed on Wednesday as Israeli forces expanded their incursion into Gaza, health officials reported. A strike on a home in Jabalia, northern Gaza, killed 12 people, with 10 more missing. Nearby tank shelling claimed another life.

In Gaza City’s Sabra suburb, an Israeli airstrike targeted a civil emergency team, killing one worker and injuring three others. This brought the death toll among emergency personnel since October 2023 to 87, as reported by the service, which faces critical shortages of fuel and equipment due to Israeli restrictions.

Israel continued demolishing homes in northern Gaza towns, raising concerns of potential forced displacement, which Israel denies. The military cited the operations as targeting Hamas militants.

Meanwhile, Kamal Adwan Hospital in north Gaza, operating under dire conditions, reported Israeli fire on Tuesday, hampering medical efforts amidst severe shortages.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated the goal of eliminating Hamas and pledged a $5 million reward for the return of remaining hostages. Mediation efforts by Qatar and Egypt stalled amid escalating tensions, with no resolution in sight.

Israel-War Live Updates: Lebanese football star’s dream shattered by Israeli strike

Celine Haidar, a 19-year-old rising star in Lebanese women's football, lies in a medically induced coma after being severely injured in an Israeli airstrike on Beirut’s Shiyah neighbourhood. A midfielder for the Beirut Football Academy and captain of last season's undefeated league champions, Haidar also represented Lebanon’s national Under-18 team, which won the 2022 West Asian Football Federation championship.

Despite the escalating conflict, Haidar had returned to south Beirut for studies and training. On Saturday, her father warned her of evacuation orders, but she was struck shortly after leaving her home. She suffered a brain haemorrhage and a cracked skull, devastating her family and teammates.

Footage of Haidar's bloodied, unconscious body has gripped Lebanese social media, highlighting the toll of the war that has killed over 3,500 people since September. Haidar’s mother mourns the shattering of her daughter’s dreams to become an international football star, yet calls her "a heroine."

“She’s strong,” her mother said. “She will get back up and play again.”

Israel-War Live Updates: Hezbollah official sets conditions for US-brokered ceasefire with Israel

A senior Hezbollah official, Mahmoud Qmati, stated on Wednesday that any ceasefire agreement brokered by the United States must ensure a swift end to hostilities and safeguard Lebanon's sovereignty, reported the news agency Reuters.

Speaking to Hezbollah's Al-Manar TV, Qmati's remarks appeared to counter Israel's position that it would continue targeting the Iran-backed group even during a truce.

Qmati expressed a cautious stance, noting he was "neither overly optimistic nor overly pessimistic" about the chances of a truce being finalised. His comments underline Hezbollah's insistence on conditions that prevent prolonged conflict and preserve Lebanon's territorial integrity amid ongoing violence.

The statement comes as international actors, including the US and France, push for a ceasefire to stabilise the volatile region.

Israel-War Live Updates: France urges acceptance of ceasefire deal between Israel and Hezbollah

French foreign minister Jean-Noël Barrot expressed optimism on Wednesday about the potential for a lasting ceasefire between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon.

Speaking to Europe 1 radio, Barrot highlighted that US-led truce efforts had created a "window of opportunity" for peace in the region.

Barrot emphasised that the proposed ceasefire could facilitate the return of displaced individuals, ensure Lebanon's sovereignty, and strengthen Israel’s security. He called on all parties involved to seize this opportunity and accept the deal currently on the table.

France remains in close communication with stakeholders on both sides, seeking to promote stability amid escalating tensions along the Israel-Lebanon border.

Israel-War Live Updates: Israeli strikes leave 15 dead in Gaza, rescue efforts hindered

At least 15 Palestinians were killed in Israeli attacks across the Gaza Strip on Wednesday, including a rescue worker, according to health officials.

The casualties occurred as Israeli forces expanded their operations in the area, reportedly destroying homes in Jabalia, Beit Lahiya, and Beit Hanoun, sparking fears of a potential buffer zone.

Medics reported that 12 people lost their lives in an Israeli strike on a house in northern Gaza's Jabalia, with 10 others still missing as rescue operations continued. An additional person was killed by tank shelling nearby. In Gaza City's Sabra suburb, an airstrike targeted a rescue team, killing one emergency worker and injuring three others, raising the total number of emergency personnel fatalities since October 7 to 87.

The Israeli military has not commented on these incidents but stated that their operations aim to neutralise Hamas militants and prevent their regrouping.

Healthcare services in Gaza remain severely strained, with critical shortages of fuel, equipment, and food. Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza has been particularly affected, facing bombardments and staff arrests. Director Hussam Abu Safiya described dire conditions, warning that patients are dying due to lack of resources.

Meanwhile, in southern Gaza’s Rafah, another airstrike killed one person and left several injured.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated his government’s goal to eliminate Hamas, vowing that the group would no longer govern Gaza post-war. He also announced a $5 million reward for information leading to the recovery of hostages still held by Hamas.

Qatar, a mediator in ceasefire negotiations, expressed frustration with both parties, threatening to withdraw from discussions unless they demonstrate seriousness in reaching a resolution.

The ongoing conflict has led to catastrophic human suffering, with Gaza's health ministry reporting nearly 44,000 fatalities and over 103,000 injured.

Israel-War Live Updates: Lebanon confirms soldier killed in Israeli attack

The Lebanese army has confirmed that one soldier was killed on Wednesday after an Israeli strike targeted a military vehicle in southern Lebanon. Initially, two personnel were reported injured in the incident.

In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), the army revealed that the soldier succumbed to injuries sustained during the attack.

This follows an earlier announcement that three soldiers were killed in a separate Israeli strike on an army position.

Israel-War Live Updates: Erdogan admits blocking Israeli President's flight from entering Turkey

Israel-War Live Updates: IDF soldier killed, senior officer wounded in Gaza fighting

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced the death of Sgt. First Class (res.) Roi Sasson, 21, during combat in the northern Gaza Strip's Beit Lahiya area. Sasson, from Mevaseret near Jerusalem, served in the Kfir Brigade's Nahshon Battalion.

A senior officer from the same battalion was seriously wounded in the incident, with the IDF confirming that investigations are ongoing to determine the circumstances.

According to The Times of Israel, Sasson's death brings the toll of Israeli soldiers killed in operations in and around Gaza to 379. Since the October 7 Hamas attacks, over 800 soldiers, including local security officers, have been killed defending communities.

Israel-War Live Updates: Houthi ballistic missiles impact Israel-linked Anadolu S Ship in Red Sea

Israel-War Live Updates: Drone parts found in Northern Israel after cross-border launch from Lebanon

Parts of a drone launched from Lebanon were discovered near the western Galilee town of Betzet, just 2 kilometres from the Lebanese border, according to Channel 12 news.

A second impact site was identified near Acre, about 16 kilometres inside Israel. Reports suggest that some of the IDF’s attempts to intercept the drones were unsuccessful. The IDF confirmed that three drones were launched from Lebanon but did not clarify how many were successfully shot down or how many crashed.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack yet.

Israel-War Live Updates: IDF intercepts drones launched from Lebanon; no casualties reported

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported that three drones launched from Lebanon were tracked as they crossed into Israeli territory, triggering drone alert sirens in coastal towns from the Lebanon border to southeast Haifa.

Attempts to shoot them down were made, and impacts were identified in the Western Galilee region.

However, all drones ultimately crashed, and there were no casualties from the incident. A video circulating online appeared to show one of the drones flying near Haifa without being intercepted.

Israel-War Live Updates: IDF declares drone incident over after sirens in coastal towns

More than 25 minutes after sirens were first activated in coastal towns near the Lebanon border, the IDF Home Front Command declared that the incident was over.

The sirens had been triggered by a suspected drone flying along Israel's coast. A map released by the IDF shows the path the drone reportedly took, though the fate of the drone remains unclear.

Israel-War Live Updates: Sirens sound across Northern Israel amid suspicious drone alert

Air raid sirens have been activated in Acre and Haifa’s suburbs in northern Israel as the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) track a suspicious aerial object from Lebanon.

The IDF confirmed the sirens were triggered by the potential threat, with the air force monitoring the situation closely.

Israel-War Live Updates: Israeli settlers torch Palestinian vehicles in West Bank village

Palestinian media reports that Israeli settlers set fire to several Palestinian vehicles in the village of Al-Mazra’a Al-Gharbiya, located north of Ramallah in the West Bank.

This attack is part of a growing pattern of violence in recent weeks, with Israeli authorities failing to take action against such incidents.

No injuries were reported, and there have been no arrests.

Israel-War Live Updates: IDF seizes Hezbollah weapons cache beneath schoolyard in Southern Lebanon

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) seized a significant weapons cache beneath a schoolyard in southern Lebanon, linked to Hezbollah. The weapons included rockets, explosive charges, and rocket-propelled grenades, all stored in an underground facility. Additionally, rocket launchers, anti-tank missiles, military equipment, and intelligence documents were found in a nearby building.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has made it clear that Israel will continue operations to prevent Hezbollah from regaining its strength, even in the event of a ceasefire. Netanyahu emphasized that Israel would carry out preventive actions and respond systematically to threats from Hezbollah.

Hezbollah has been accused of using civilian areas in Lebanon, including villages, to store weapons and launch attacks against Israel. This tactic has led to widespread destruction, with many civilian homes being used for military purposes, including launching rockets at Israel.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited Gaza on Tuesday, reaffirming his commitment to securing the return of all hostages. He announced a monetary incentive of $5 million for each hostage successfully returned, emphasising that individuals who assist in the process would be granted safety for themselves and their families.

"To those who want to leave this entanglement, I say: Whoever brings us a hostage will find a safe way out for himself and his family. We will also give $5 million for every hostage. Choose — the choice is yours, but the result will be the same. We will bring them all back," Netanyahu stated.

Israel-War Live Updates: IDF rescues two Israelis attacked in West Bank town of Dayr Balut

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has confirmed the rescue of two Israeli citizens who were attacked in the Palestinian town of Dayr Balut in the West Bank, reported Times of Israel.

According to the IDF, the incident was "likely criminal in nature" and not a nationally motivated terror attack. Initial reports suggest a dispute may have led to the confrontation. One of the Israelis received treatment at the scene before both were handed over to police custody.

Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the event to determine the exact nature of the altercation.

Israel-War Live Updates: IDF intercepts sixth drone launched towards Israel in a day

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported intercepting a drone fired "from the east," typically indicating Iraq, in the past hour. The drone was downed before entering Israeli airspace.

This marks the sixth interception of the day, with the IDF confirming that five other drones were launched from Lebanon. One of these was intercepted over the Western Galilee, while the others were neutralised before entering Israeli territory.

The military continues to monitor and respond to aerial threats amid heightened regional tensions.

Israel's Netanyahu says Hamas will not rule Gaza

He also said he's not giving up on finding remaining hostages in Gaza

Israel army says soldier killed in combat in Lebanon

The Israel Defence Forces announced on Tuesday the death of a soldier in southern Lebanon, where military operations against Hezbollah have been ongoing since late September following a year of cross-border fire exchanges.

"Sergeant First Class (Reserve) Omer Moshe Gaeldor, aged 30, from Jerusalem, a soldier from the 5,111 Battalion, Golani Brigade, was killed during combat in southern Lebanon," the army stated, noting that three additional soldiers sustained injuries.

This casualty increases the military's fatalities in Lebanon to 49 since the commencement of ground operations.

The army reported earlier on Tuesday that another unit had initiated targeted operations against "a central Hezbollah terror stronghold" in southern Lebanon on Monday.
The military forces, working alongside the air force, conducted strikes on numerous targets within the stronghold, which they identified as launch sites for rockets directed at Israel.

French minister urges wealthy Gulf to support Lebanese army

French Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu called on wealthy Gulf nations to provide military support to Lebanon’s armed forces, emphasizing their critical role in securing borders amid ongoing clashes between Israel and Hezbollah. Lecornu, speaking during a regional tour, highlighted the need for operational aid to strengthen Lebanon’s sovereignty and implement UN Resolution 1701, which governs border security.

Israel's expanded operations into Lebanon have killed over 3,510 people since late September, intensifying the humanitarian crisis. While a Paris conference raised $200 million for Lebanon’s military, Lecornu urged Gulf states to further assist its underfunded army, which is vital to the country's stability.

Hamas attack on Israel stirs controversy among Gaza clerics

The October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel has divided Palestinian clerics in Gaza. While preacher Suleiman Al-Dayya criticized the assault for its heavy civilian toll and questioned its wisdom, other clerics defended it as a legitimate jihad but acknowledged the need for post-war reflection. The attack, which killed 1,200 Israelis, led to a devastating Israeli response, killing over 44,000 Gazans and leaving millions in crisis. The war has sparked debate over Hamas' strategy and its impact on Palestinians.

Watch: Hamas 'inflicts fresh losses' on Israeli army in Northern Gaza

Hezbollah announces postponement of leader's speech

Hezbollah announced the postponement of a scheduled address by their leader Naim Qassem on Tuesday, shortly after confirming its occurrence. The group did not provide any explanation for the change or indicate a new schedule.

The Iran-supported organisation issued a statement saying "has been postponed to a date to be determined later". This announcement came shortly after US envoy Amos Hochstein, during his visit to Beirut, expressed optimism about "a real opportunity" to conclude the Israel-Hezbollah conflict being "within our grasp".

US envoy says end to war between Israel and Hezbollah 'is within our grasp'

The American diplomat Amos Hochstein reported following discussions with Lebanon's parliament speaker in Beirut that the meetings were "very constructive talks". He expressed optimism about a genuine possibility to resolve the ongoing hostilities between Israel and the Iranian-supported Hezbollah organisation.

Following the meeting, he informed journalists, "This is a moment of decision-making. I am here in Beirut to facilitate that decision but it's ultimately the decision of the parties to reach a conclusion to this conflict. It is now within our grasp."

Middle East Crisis Live: Israel welcomes EU sanctions on Iran as 'necessary steps'

Gidon Saar, Israel's Foreign Minister, expressed strong support for the European Union's expanded sanctions against Iran, describing the measures as essential.

Taking to X, Saar welcomed the EU's latest sanctions, which were announced on January 22, targeting Iran for its alleged backing of Russia in the Ukraine conflict - an allegation Tehran denies. He stated: "necessary steps in the international community's fight against the Iranian threat, which constitutes the greatest danger to the security and stability of the Middle East, Europe, and the entire world."

Middle East Crisis Live: Israel foreign minister welcomes EU sanctions on Iran as 'necessary steps'

'Have some shame': Netanyahu heckled inside Israeli Parliament | Hostages’ kin dragged out

Middle East Crisis Live: Sirens sound in central Israel after projectiles launched from Lebanon, says army

Sirens blared across central Israel on Tuesday as the Israeli army reported that around five projectiles had crossed into its territory from Lebanon.

"Following the sirens that sounded in the areas of Dan, Sharon, and Menashe [central Israel], approximately five projectiles were identified crossing from Lebanon into Israeli territory. Some projectiles were intercepted, fallen projectiles were identified," the army said.

Middle East Crisis Live: Humanitarian crisis in Gaza worsens as cvilians flee 'safe zones'

Displaced families in Gaza are suffering immense hardships as Israeli strikes target even designated “safe zones.” Four members of a single family were killed in the Al-Mawasi area when their tent was hit. The United Nations has described the humanitarian situation as dire, with food thefts and famine-like conditions compounding the devastation. Many families, already displaced multiple times, face a lack of shelter, food, and medical aid as strikes continue unabated.

Israel rains 'hellfire' on Russian S-300 in Iran | Netanyahu drops bombshell after nuclear site hit

Middle East Crisis Live: Civilian casualties in Gaza and Lebanon reach alarming levels

In Lebanon, Israeli strikes have caused widespread destruction, with over 3,510 people killed since October 2023, according to the Lebanese health ministry. Many casualties are concentrated in central Beirut, which has become a refuge for displaced families fleeing violence in southern suburbs. In Gaza, Hamas security forces launched operations against gangs looting aid trucks, resulting in 20 deaths. Gaza’s overall death toll has risen to 43,922, the majority being civilians, as the region faces severe humanitarian crises.

Israeli missiles wreak havoc near Lebanon PM's office, Parliament, UN HQ & embassies In Beirut

Middle East Crisis Live: Hezbollah responds with rocket salvos and drone strikes on Israel

Hezbollah escalated its retaliation against Israel by firing more than 100 projectiles into northern Israeli territories, with some intercepted by air defences. A rocket strike in Shfaram killed one woman and injured ten others. The group also claimed responsibility for launching attack drones on military targets in Tel Aviv and shooting down an Israeli drone in southern Lebanon. The Islamic Resistance in Iraq, allied with Hezbollah, launched a drone attack on a "vital target" in southern Israel.

Middle East Crisis Live: Israel increases bombing raids on central Beirut, targets Hezbollah strongholds

Israel intensified airstrikes on central Beirut this week, focusing on areas associated with Hezbollah. On Monday, an attack in Zuqaq al-Blat killed five people and injured 31, targeting a residential area near a Shiite place of worship. Another strike in Chiyah on Tuesday destroyed a four-storey building, wounding multiple individuals. Over the past week, Israeli strikes in the capital have killed at least ten people, including Hezbollah spokesman Mohammed Afif and members of his media team.

Middle East Crisis Live: Rocket strike kills woman, injures 10 in Northern Israeli town of Shfaram

Israeli firefighters confirmed that a rocket strike hit a building in the northern town of Shfaram on Monday, killing a woman and injuring 10 others. "Five firefighting teams were sent to the scene, where they rescued a woman who was found dead in a building hit directly by the rocket," said Uri Cohen, a spokesman for the local fire and rescue authority.

Middle East Crisis Live: G20 calls for ceasefires in Gaza, Lebanon; Joint statement

G20 leaders called for "comprehensive" ceasefires in both Gaza and Lebanon in a joint statement at a summit in Brazil on Monday, AFP reported.

The leaders of the world's biggest economies called for a US-proposed permanent ceasefire in Gaza in return for the release of all hostages, as well as a Lebanon ceasefire "that enables citizens to return safely to their homes on both sides of the Blue Line."

Middle East Crisis Live: Lebanon, Hezbollah agree to US proposal for ceasefire with Israel, Lebanese official says

Lebanon and Hezbollah have agreed to a US proposal for a ceasefire with Israel with some comments on the content, a top Lebanese official told Reuters on Monday, describing the effort as the most serious yet to end to the fighting.

Ali Hassan Khalil, an aide to Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, said Lebanon had delivered its written response to the US ambassador in Lebanon on Monday, and White House envoy Amos Hochstein was travelling to Beirut to continue talks.

Middle East Crisis Live: Israel urges UN to press Iraq over attacks by 'pro-Iranian militias'

Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Saar urged the UN Security Council to compel Iraq's administration to halt strikes by "pro-Iranian militias" targeting Israel.

Saar shared on X, alongside a copy of his correspondence, stating "This evening I sent a letter to the president of the UN Security Council in which I called for immediate action regarding the activity of the pro-Iranian militias in Iraq, whose territory is being used to attack Israel".

Saar emphasised that Israel maintains its right to self-defence under the UN charter, whilst asserting that Iraq bears responsibility under international law to prevent its territory from being utilised as a launching ground for attacks against other countries.

Middle East Crisis Live: Israeli strike on Beirut kills 5 as deadly rocket fire hits Israel

Israel staged a new bombing raid on central Beirut Monday, killing five people according to the health ministry, as firefighters said a rocket launched from Lebanon killed one woman in Israel.

The Gaza crisis also heightened with the Hamas-run interior ministry saying at least 20 people were killed in an operation against the looting of aid trucks in the stricken territory.

Israel has staged three strikes in two days against central Beirut, after weeks of air raids aimed at emptying the southern suburbs stronghold of the Iran-backed Hezbollah group.