Israel Gaza War Live Updates: Army says 160 Hezbollah projectiles fired into Israel, several reported injured

Israel Hezbollah War Live Updates: EU urges immediate halt to Israel-Hezbollah war

The Israel-Hezbollah conflict has intensified, with Hezbollah launching deep strikes into Israel, including missile and drone attacks, and Israel responding with airstrikes on Hezbollah positions in Lebanon. EU diplomat Josep Borrell, visiting Lebanon, called for an immediate ceasefire and adherence to UN Resolution 1701. The conflict has caused thousands of deaths in Lebanon and significant casualties in Israel. Despite ongoing diplomatic efforts, tensions remain high, with fears of further escalation.

Israel Hezbollah War Live Updates: Hezbollah says destroyed 6 Israeli tanks in Lebanon's south

Lebanon raises toll to 29 killed in central Beirut Israeli strike

The Israeli attack on the working-class Basta district in central Beirut resulted in a devastating toll, as confirmed by Lebanon's health ministry on January 7. The casualty count has risen significantly from initial reports.

"The Israeli enemy strike on Basta al-Fawqa in Beirut killed, in an updated but still not final toll, 29 people and wounded 67 others," according to the ministry's statement. They further indicated that recovery efforts were ongoing, noting that "Rubble is still being removed" from the location of the attack.

Israel Hezbollah War Live Updates: Israel denounces murder of rabbi after body found in UAE

Rabbi Zvi Kogan, a Chabad emissary in the UAE, was found murdered after disappearing in Dubai, which Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu denounced as a "heinous antisemitic terrorist act." Investigations are ongoing, with some Israeli officials suggesting Iranian involvement, though no clear motive or suspects have been confirmed. The incident has shaken the UAE's Jewish community, which has grown since the 2020 Abraham Accords normalized relations between the UAE and Israel. In response, Israel has advised citizens to avoid non-essential travel to the UAE and to exercise caution while there.

Israel Hezbollah War Live Updates: Iran is preparing to 'respond' to Israel, says adviser to Supreme Leader

Iran's senior adviser to the supreme leader, Ali Larijani, indicated in an interview with Tasnim news agency on Sunday that the nation is getting ready to "respond" to Israel.
Israeli military forces conducted three waves of strikes targeting Iranian military installations on October 26, following Iran's earlier offensive involving approximately 200 ballistic missiles against Israel. Iranian authorities have previously declared their intention to retaliate against Israel's military actions.

With destruction at Lebanon border, Israel could seek buffer zone: Experts

Israel's ongoing bombardment of southern Lebanon aims to create a buffer zone to prevent Hezbollah's attacks, but the effectiveness of this strategy remains unclear. The conflict escalated after Hezbollah supported Hamas following the October 2023 attacks on Israel. Israel's military actions have led to significant destruction, with numerous villages near the border devastated. While Israel's goal is to push Hezbollah away from the border, experts argue that the creation of a lasting buffer zone may not be feasible, as residents will likely return once a political resolution is reached. The strategy includes demolishing infrastructure and clearing areas for better surveillance, but Hezbollah has shown no sign of backing down.

Hezbollah hits Israel with rockets

The Iran-backed group said in a statement that it had "launched, for the first time, an aerial attack using a swarm of attack drones on the Ashdod naval base" in southern Israel.

Later, it said it fired "a barrage of advanced missiles and a swarm of attack drones" at a "military target" in Tel Aviv, and had also launched a volley of missiles at the Glilot army intelligence base in the city's suburbs.

IDF shares footage of Hezbollah rocket attack

Hezbollah fires 160 projectiles from Lebanon into Israel: Army

Hezbollah launched approximately 160 projectiles from Lebanon targeting northern and central regions of Israel, according to Israeli military reports.
"As of 15.00 (1300 GMT), approximately 160 projectiles that were fired by the Hezbollah terrorist organisation have crossed from Lebanon into Israel today," the army said. Several casualties were reported by medical services, with one individual sustaining injuries described as "moderate to serious".

Israel names Netanyahu ally as US ambassador

Israel has appointed Yechiel Leiter, a close ally of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as its ambassador to the United States. Leiter, 65, a former adviser to Netanyahu and a prominent figure in the settler movement, will replace Mike Herzog next year. He is known for his conservative views and criticism of US President Joe Biden. Leiter's son, Moshe, was killed in combat in Gaza in November 2023 during the ongoing conflict with Hamas. The announcement coincided with the nomination of Mike Huckabee as the US ambassador to Israel by President-elect Donald Trump.

Israel Hezbollah War Live Updates: Top EU diplomat urges 'immediate ceasefire' in Hezbollah-Israel war

Josep Borrell, the EU's foreign policy chief, emphasised the necessity for an "immediate ceasefire" during his diplomatic visit to Lebanon's capital for discussions.
Following his meeting with Lebanese parliament speaker Nabih Berri, who has been leading mediation efforts for his Hezbollah allies, Borrell said, "We see only one possible way ahead: an immediate ceasefire and the full implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701."

Israel Hezbollah War Live Updates: UN envoy says 'extremely critical' to avoid Syria being dragged into Israel-Gaza war

The United Nations special envoy for Syria emphasised the crucial importance of halting hostilities in Lebanon and Gaza to prevent Syria's involvement in a broader regional conflict.

Geir Otto Pedersen, speaking before his scheduled discussions with the Syrian foreign minister in Damascus, said, "We need now to make sure that we have immediately a ceasefire in Gaza, that we have a ceasefire in Lebanon, and that we avoid Syria being dragged even further into the conflict."

Lebanese army says soldier killed in Israeli strike

The Lebanese military reported a fatality and multiple injuries after Israel conducted an attack on their position in Lebanon's southern region on December 10.

"One soldier was martyred, and 18 others were injured, including some with severe wounds, as a result of an Israeli attack targeting a Lebanese army centre in Amriyeh," the army said in a statement.

Israel Hezbollah War Live Updates: Hezbollah says it launched drones at naval base in south Israel

Hezbollah, the Lebanon-based organisation, announced on Sunday through an official statement that they conducted their inaugural drone strike targeting Israel's naval installation in Ashdod, situated in the southern region.

The Israeli military forces have not yet provided any response regarding this reported incident.

Israel Hezbollah War Live Updates: Lebanon security source says Hezbollah official targeted in Beirut strike

A Lebanese security source reported that an Israeli airstrike in Beirut on Saturday was aimed at a senior Hezbollah official. However, a Hezbollah lawmaker denied that any of the group's officials were at the location.

"The Israeli strike on Basta targeted a leading Hezbollah figure," the security source was quoted as saying by news agency AFP.

Man killed after gunfire in Israel embassy district in Jordan

A man was killed and three security personnel were injured in a shooting early Sunday morning in the area of Amman, Jordan, where the Israeli embassy is situated, according to state media.

The Public Security Directorate reported that the incident involved gunfire directed at a patrol in the Rabieh neighborhood at dawn.

Israel Hezbollah War Live Updates: Israel defence minister vows to 'act decisively' against Hezbollah

Israel's defence minister Israel Katz conveyed to US defence secretary Lloyd Austin on December 9 that the nation would maintain its firm stance against Lebanese militant organisation Hezbollah, amidst ongoing warfare, according to a spokesperson's statement.

During their telephone conversation, "Katz commended US efforts to facilitate de-escalation in Lebanon, emphasised Israel's commitment to restoring security that would enable northern residents to return to their homes safely", whilst also "underscored that Israel will continue to act decisively in response to Hezbollah's attacks on civilian populations in Israel", as stated by Katz's spokesperson.

Israel Gaza War Live Updates: Jordanian police cordon off area near Israeli embassy after gunshots heard, witnesses say

Jordanian police cordoned off an area in the vicinity of the Israeli embassy in the capital Amman after gunshots were heard, witnesses said on Sunday. Two witnesses said police and ambulances rushed to the Rabiah neighborhood, where the embassy is located, after sporadic gunfire was heard.

Police called on residents to stay in their homes as security personnel conducted a search for the culprits, a security source said.

The area near the heavily policed embassy is a flashpoint for frequent demonstrations against Israel.

Israel defence minister vows to 'act decisively' against Hezbollah

Israel's Defence Minister Israel Katz told his US counterpart on Saturday that the country would "continue to act decisively" against Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, after two months of full-blown war, a spokesman said.

In a phone call with Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin, "Katz commended US efforts to facilitate de-escalation in Lebanon, emphasised Israel's commitment to restoring security that would enable northern residents to return to their homes safely", and "underscored that Israel will continue to act decisively in response to Hezbollah's attacks on civilian populations in Israel", a spokesman for Katz said. (AFP)

Israel Gaza War Live Updates: Israel probes disappearance of Israeli-Moldovan citizen in UAE

Israel has launched an investigation into the vanishing of Zvi Kogan, who holds Israeli-Moldovan citizenship, in the UAE, classifying it as a "terrorist incident", according to a statement from the prime minister's office on Saturday.

Kogan, who serves as a representative for the ultra-Orthodox Chabad Hasidic movement in the UAE, has not been seen since Thursday afternoon.

The statement confirmed that the Mossad intelligence agency is heading the investigation, noting that evidence suggests "this is a terrorist incident."

The statement further indicated that Israeli security and intelligence organisations are dedicating extensive efforts to ensure Kogan's safety and wellbeing, working continuously on the case.

Israel Gaza War Live Updates: Palestinian Authority accuses Israel of encouraging 'extremist settlers to commit terrorism'

The Palestinian Authority accused Israel Friday of encouraging "extremist settlers to commit terrorism" after it announced a halt to the use of administrative detention, or incarceration without trial, against them.

The Palestinian foreign ministry "believes that this decision encourages extremist settlers to commit terrorism against Palestinians, their land and their properties, while giving them an additional sense of impunity and protection", it said on X.

Israel Gaza War Live Updates: Fears for Gaza hospitals as fuel and aid run low

The Hamas-controlled Gaza health ministry announced on Friday that healthcare facilities face a critical fuel shortage, with only two days' supply remaining, which could lead to service limitations. This follows the United Nations' caution about severe disruptions in aid distribution to the conflict-affected region.

This development follows the International Criminal Court's decision on Thursday to issue arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former defence minister Yoav Gallant, as the Gaza conflict continues beyond its first year.

The UN and various organisations have consistently highlighted the dire humanitarian situation, particularly in Gaza's northern region. In this area, Israeli forces reported on Friday the elimination of two Hamas commanders who participated in the October 7, 2023 assault that initiated the current conflict.
Medical personnel in Gaza reported that Israeli military operations in Beit Lahia and neighbouring Jabalia during the night resulted in numerous casualties and missing persons.

Middle East latest: Israeli strikes kill a hospital director in Lebanon and wound 9 medics in Gaza

Israeli airstrikes killed a hospital director at his home in northeastern Lebanon and six others, while at least five paramedics were killed by Israeli strikes in the country's south on Friday, Lebanon's Health Ministry said.

In Gaza, Israeli strikes hit Kamal Adwan Hospital, one of the few hospitals still partially operating in the northernmost part of the territory, wounding nine medical staff and damaging its generator and oxygen systems, the hospital director said Friday. The Israeli military said it did not know of any strikes in the area.

The United Nations reported heavy clashes in southern Lebanon between Israeli troops and Hezbollah fighters on Friday. Four Italian peacekeepers were lightly wounded when a rocket, likely fired by Hezbollah, hit their base, the UN said. (AP)

US rejects bids to block arms sales to Israel

The US Senate on Wednesday voted overwhelmingly to block three resolutions that would have halted the transfer of some US weapons to Israel, introduced by progressives concerned about the human rights catastrophe faced by Palestinians in Gaza. All of the votes in favour came from the Democratic caucus, while “no” votes came from both Democrats and Republicans, underscoring the divide within President Biden’s Democratic party over policy toward Israel. The “resolutions of disapproval” were filed by Senator Bernie Sanders, a progressive independent who caucuses with Democrats, and co-sponsored by a handful of war-critic Democrats. (Reuters)

Israel eliminates terrorists involved in October 7 massacre

The Israeli Air Force carried out an attack overnight between Wednesday and Thursday in Beit Lahia in northern Gaza, targeting several Hamas terrorists who had key roles in the October 7 massacre.

According to an Israel Defense Forces statement, the eliminated terrorists included Jihad Mahmoud Yahya Kahlout, a company commander in Hamas's Nukhba force, and Muhammad Riyad Ali Uqal, also a Hamas company commander. Both were responsible for leading attacks on Israel on October 7, and orchestrating the massacre and abductions of Israeli civilians at the Mefalsim junction near Sderot.