KEY POINTS
- Israel did not inform Washington ahead of time before launching strike that killed Arouri, report says
- Macron calls on Israel to avoid Lebanon border escalation
- Israeli army on 'high readiness' following first overseas killing of a Hamas senior leader
The war in Gaza has entered its 89th day, with Iran calling the assassination of Hamas' deputy leader Saleh al-Arouri in Beirut on Tuesday a "cowardly" move.
Hezbollah, another Iran-backed paramilitary group that has intensified rocket and missile launches toward Israel since the war started, vowed that Arouri's assassination in Lebanese territory will be avenged.
As tensions reached a peak in the northern front, at least three explosions were reported to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) early Wednesday local time, in the vicinity of a merchant ship in the nearby Red Sea, where Yemen's Houthi rebels have been on a weeks-long rampage.
- Israel preparing for 'significant' retaliation from Hezbollah: Report
- Hamas reportedly tells mediators to halt ceasefire talks
- Houthis fired 2 missiles near merchant vessels in the Red Sea Tuesday night
- 2 anti-tank missiles fired at Israel-Lebanon mountain range
- Iran writes to UN on 4th death anniversary of top Iranian general
- Hamas ally PIJ says it will avenge Hamas No. 2 leader's assassination
- Israel 'not another star on the American flag': Ben Gvir
- Hamas' Haniyeh says the terror group will 'never be defeated'
- Israel has 'not taken responsibility' for Hamas deputy chief's killing: Netanyahu aide
- 2 soldiers wounded in anti-tank missile attack in northern Israel
- Lebanon says urging Hezbollah not to respond to Arouri's killing
- Hezbollah leader to deliver speech Wednesday
- Houthi spokesman to make 'important announcement'
- Consequences of Arouri assassination to 'beset' US: Iranian defense minister
In Gaza, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said they have taken control of Hamas' stronghold in Gaza City, the largest city in the enclave.
Iran, which supports both Hamas and Hezbollah, quickly condemned the killing in Israel's reported campaign to assassinate Hamas leaders abroad, accusing Israel of violating Lebanon's sovereignty.
The White House rejected the recent statements of Israeli ministers Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir, who called on Palestinians to leave the Gaza Strip.
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told representatives of the remaining hostages in Hamas captivity that Hamas has "softened" its stance regarding a potential hostage-ceasefire deal.
Fighting in the Gaza Strip draws from the longstanding Israeli-Palestinian conflict marred by decades of violence. Tensions blew up on Oct. 7, when Hamas militants swept into Israel in a surprise invasion that killed more than 1,200 Israelis and foreign nationals.
The live update has ended.
Israel in talks with Congo for Gaza residents migration: Hebrew media
The Israeli government is in talks with Congo and several other countries for the potential migration of Gaza residents, Hebrew outlet Zman Yisrael reported Wednesday, citing Israeli sources.
"Congo will be willing to take in migrants," a senior source in Israel's security cabinet reportedly said.
As reported earlier two Israeli ministers have called on the "voluntary migration" of Palestinians to resolve the deep-rooted Israel-Palestine conflict, drawing criticism from the U.S. for what the White House says is an "irresponsible" suggestion.
1,300 of over 2,570 arrested wanted persons have Hamas links: IDF
The Israeli army provided an update Wednesday regarding arrests made across Judea, Samaria, and Beqaa Valley since the war started. Of over 2,570 wanted individuals detained, around 1,300 were "associated" with Hamas, the IDF said.
Flashcards showing weapons found in Gaza school: Israeli government
The Israeli government on Wednesday published a photo showing what it says were laminated flashcards "found in a school in Gaza." The flashcards showed different kinds of weapons, ammunition, a grenade, along with one flashcard displaying colorful balls.
These laminated flashcards were found in a SCHOOL in Gaza.
— COGAT (@cogatonline) January 3, 2024
This is what Hamas teach Gaza children: What is a ball, and how to recognize different kinds of weapons.
The children in Gaza deserve better. pic.twitter.com/Eow8xaqQ3t
IDF urges 7 neighborhoods in central Gaza to evacuate
The Israeli army on Wednesday distributed leaflets urging residents of seven neighborhoods in the Nuseirat camp in central Gaza to evacuate to shelters in Deir al-Balah, calling the areas a "dangerous war zone," local media reported.
בעזה מדווחים: צה"ל פיזר כרוזים במחנה הפליטים נציראת שבמרכז הרצועה - ובהם קרא לתושבים ב-7 שכונות להתפנות מבתיהם דרומה, למקלטים בדיר אל-בלח. "האזור שבו אתם נמצאים הוא אזור מלחמה מסוכן. צה"ל פועל בעוצמה באזור מגוריכם. ראו הוזהרתם", נכתב@sapirlipkin pic.twitter.com/MbTAoZfEur
— החדשות - N12 (@N12News) January 3, 2024
Following intense operations in the northern and southern Gaza Strip since the IDF launched its ground campaign in the enclave late in October, the Israeli army has also expanded its ground offensive in the central part of the Strip.
West Bank message calls for clashes with IDF: Local media
A message was distributed Wednesday morning in the West Bank, calling on residents to stage demonstrations and engage in confrontations with the Israeli army following the assassination of Hamas' Arouri, Haaretz reported.
Multiple outlets reported that Arouri, the Palestinian terror group's deputy leader, was born in the West Bank.
IDF operations in Gaza continue despite northern front escalation
The Israeli army continues to operate across the Gaza Strip, as per the latest update of the IDF on its X (formerly Twitter) account amid concerns that tensions in the northern front may erupt soon.
During operations, Israeli troops uncovered a tunnel shaft near a school in the Khirbet Ahza area in southern Gaza, the IDF said.
בפשיטות של צוות הקרב של חטיבה 5 בח'רבת אח'זה אותר פיר מנהרה בבית ספר; לוחמי צוות הקרב החטיבתי גבעתי חיסלו מחבל שניסה להצמיד מטען לטנק>> pic.twitter.com/PufNyWfgim
— צבא ההגנה לישראל (@idfonline) January 3, 2024
US will suffer consequences of Arouri assassination: Iranian defense minister
Iran's defense minister Brig. Gen. Mohammad Reza Ashtiani said on the sidelines of a cabinet session Wednesday that the U.S. "has upset regional balance, and the consequences of this assassination will beset them," as per the Iranian government's semi-official Mehr News Agency.
He added that the killing of Hamas' deputy leader will only strengthen the forces that resist "American policies."
Houthis to make 'important' announcement Wednesday: Spokesman
Yahya Sare'e, the Yemeni Houthi rebel army's spokesman, said the Iran-backed group will make an "important announcement" in the coming hours.
The news comes after the Yemeni rebel militia fired missiles near commercial ships in the Red Sea Tuesday night.
Netanyahu tells hostages' families Hamas leadership exile being considered: Reports
The Israeli prime minister informed the families of more than 120 hostages still being held in Gaza by Hamas and other Palestinian factions that the exile of Hamas leadership was on the table, several outlets reported late Tuesday.
Netanyahu also reportedly told the families during a Tuesday night meeting that the government was "considering making public an Israeli outline for a deal."
Hezbollah leader to make a speech Wednesday evening
Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah will deliver a speech Wednesday night, following the assassination of a senior Hamas leader in the Beirut suburb of Dahiyeh – a known Hezbollah stronghold.
Sirens sound in Gaza border communities
In the wake of the Beirut assassination of Hamas' deputy leader, rocket sirens sounded in communities near Israel's southern border with the Gaza Strip on Wednesday morning, local media reported.
Sirens sounded in the Gaza border area in southern Israel on Wednesday morning.
— The Jerusalem Post (@Jerusalem_Post) January 3, 2024
Read more:https://t.co/aPlL3gT4L7
Arouri's killing a 'real threat to peace and security': Iranian FM
Iranian Minister of Foreign Affairs Hossein Amir-Abdollahian called the assassination of Hamas' deputy leader "a real threat to peace and security and a serious alarm for the security of all countries in the region," as per a Google translation of his statement posted on X Wednesday morning.
He said the strike that killed Arouri was "a cowardly" operation by Israel "despite the direct support of the White House." An adviser for Netanyahu on Tuesday said that the Israeli government "has not taken responsibility" for the attack.
Lebanese FM says government urging Hezbollah not to retaliate
Lebanese Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib told BBC Radio 4 Tuesday that the government was communicating with Iran-backed Hezbollah to "impress on them that they should not respond themselves" following the assassination of Hamas' deputy leader in a Hezbollah stronghold in Beirut.
"We don't tell them; we dialogue with them in this regard," Habib said.
As reported earlier, Hezbollah, a Hamas ally, vowed that the death of Arouri will not go unpunished. It has also escalated fears of an all-out war on Israel's northern front.
2 soldiers wounded after missile attack at IDF post in northern Israel: Local media
An anti-tank missile was fired at an Israeli army post near Kibbutz Menara in northern Israel hours after Arouri was assassinated, local i24 News reported Wednesday. Two soldiers were "lightly wounded" as a result of the said missile attack, the outlet reported.
#Hamas deputy leader Saleh Al-Arouri killed in Beirut, in a suburb known as a political stronghold of #Hezbollah
— i24NEWS English (@i24NEWS_EN) January 3, 2024
'Since the killing at 6pm local time yesterday, there have been four actions of Hezbollah in the tit for tat war of attrition against Israel' Our @p_klochendler… pic.twitter.com/jgBl3M6XOe
Israel 'has not taken responsibility' for strike that killed Hamas top 2 leader: Netanyahu aide
Mark Regev, a senior adviser to Netanyahu, said in an interview Tuesday night that "Israel has not taken responsibility for the attack" following reports that Israel launched the drone strike in Beirut that killed Arouri, Hamas' deputy leader born in the West Bank.
"Whoever did it, it must be clear that this was not an attack on the Lebanese state. It was not an attack even on Hezbollah, the terrorist organization. Whoever did this did a surgical strike against the Hamas leadership," he added.
Hamas leader says will 'never be defeated' after deputy chief's killing
Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh said in a televised speech after Arouri's assassination Tuesday night that the terror group "will never be defeated," multiple outlets reported.
He also grieved the deaths of two top commanders of Hamas' Qassam Brigades, Samir Findi Abu Amer and Azzam Al-Aqraa Abu Ammar, who died in the same strike that killed the militant group's deputy leader.
Ben Gvir claps back after US criticism
"Really appreciate the United States of America but with all due respect we are not another star on the American flag," Ben Gvir said in a Google-translated post on X a few hours after the U.S. called out the Israeli minister for encouraging a Palestinian migration to resolve the conflict with Israel.
PIJ will increase its presence to avenge Arouri's death: Lebanon representative
Muhammad Haj Musa, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad's (PIJ) representative in Lebanon, said early Wednesday that the PIJ, a Hamas ally, will "increase our presence and actions" across the West Bank, Gaza Strip and southern Lebanon "in order to avenge his [Arouri] death," as per a Google translation of his interview with the Al-Araby channel.
Iran writes to UN on 4th anniversary of top general's killing
Iran on Wednesday wrote a letter to the United Nations Security Council and UN chief Antonio Guterres, to reiterate its position that the U.S. should be held accountable for the Jan. 3, 2023 assassination of Qasem Soleimani, then head of the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Quds Force.
In the letter, Iran said Soleimani's assassination in a U.S. airstrike in Baghdad was a "flagrant violation of international law," as per the Iranian Mehr News Agency.
Iran went on a three-day mourning period following the killing of Soleimani, a military commander who was revered by the Iranian public.
US intelligence indicates Hamas used Al-Shifa Hospital for military activities: Report
American intelligence agencies believe Hamas and other allied Palestinian factions utilized the Al-Shifa Hospital, which Israeli troops raided in November, as a command center and holding area for some hostages, the New York Times reported, citing U.S. intelligence that was only declassified Tuesday.
U.S. intelligence agencies obtained information that Hamas militants evacuated the complex "days" before the IDF stormed into the compound of Gaza's largest medical facility, the report added, citing a senior U.S. intelligence official.
Israel has repeatedly stated that Hamas was using the Al-Shifa and other hospitals across the Gaza Strip as a command node. It has also published footage and images of what it says were tunnels uncovered beneath hospital grounds.
Arouri talked of imminent death in August
Arouri, a co-founder of Hamas' military wing, said in August 2023 that he was "waiting for martyrdom (death)," adding that he believes he has "lived too long."
The Hamas deputy leader has long been accused by Israel of leading the terror group's attacks in the West Bank for years. He spent nearly two decades in Israeli prisons and was freed in 2010 on the condition of exile.
Ramim Ridge attacked: Local media
Two anti-tank missiles were fired late Tuesday night at the Ramim Ridge, a mountain range near Israel's northern border with Lebanon, Israel's national broadcaster Kan reported.
Houthis fired 2 ASBMs in the Red Sea Tuesday: US army
Yemen's rebel militia on Tuesday night fired two anti-ship ballistic missiles (ASBMs) "from Houthi controlled areas in Yemen" into the southern Red Sea, the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said early Wednesday local time.
On Jan. 2, at approximately 9:30 p.m. (Sanaa time), Iranian-backed Houthis fired two anti-ship ballistic missiles from Houthi controlled areas in Yemen into the Southern Red Sea. Multiple commercial ships in the area reported the impact of the ASBMs into the surrounding water… pic.twitter.com/wXpmboqP2g
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) January 3, 2024
"Multiple commercial ships in the area reported the impact of the ASBMs into the surrounding water," but none of them reported any damage.
The latest launches mark the 24th attack in the troubled Red Sea since Nov. 19, the U.S. military said.
Hamas tells ceasefire mediators to freeze talks: Report
Hamas has informed mediators of a ceasefire deal with Israel that talks will now stop following the assassination of a senior Hamas leader in Beirut Tuesday, the Al-Arabiya outlet reported, citing "private sources," as per a Google translation.
The report added that Arouri, whom Hamas said was killed in an Israeli drone strike along with several other Hamas commanders, was supposed to meet with truce mediators next week to discuss the terror group's demands.
The news comes hours after Netanyahu gave reassurance to the loved ones of remaining hostages in Gaza that communications for a possible ceasefire-hostage agreement were continuing.
Netanyahu tells hostages' families Hamas has 'softened' truce deal stance
The Israeli prime minister during a Tuesday night meeting with representatives of families awaiting news about the fate of their abducted loved ones, reassured them that "contacts" with mediators "have not been cut off."
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, this evening, to representatives of the hostages' families:
— Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) January 2, 2024
"The effort is continuing. The contacts are being held; they have not been cut off.
There was an ultimatum from Hamas; now it has been softened.
These contacts are being held now."
He also signaled that Hamas has "softened" its stance regarding a possible ceasefire-hostage deal that could see more abductees freed.
Netanyahu's remarks came a day after reports said Hamas had dropped its earlier demand that Israel agree to a ceasefire first before negotiations for a hostage exchange resume.
Israeli army seizes Hamas intel stronghold in Gaza City
Israeli forces with the IDF's Shaldag unit and the 401st Brigade on Tuesday "took over the intelligence and control stronghold" of Hamas in Gaza City, the Israeli Air Force (IAF) said.
לוחמי שלדג ביחד עם צוות הקרב של חטיבה 401 ויחידת יהל״ם השתלטו על מעוז המודיעין והשליטה של ארגון הטרור חמאס בעיר עזה. pic.twitter.com/5XiEUC2740
— Israeli Air Force (@IAFsite) January 2, 2024
Ground troops have been expanding operations across the Gaza Strip in recent days following the capture of several Hamas strongholds in the enclave.
US rejects Israeli ministers' statements regarding Palestinian resettlement
The U.S., an Israeli ally, on Tuesday night rejected the "inflammatory and irresponsible" statements of Smotrich and Ben Gvir after the two ministers called on the "voluntary emigration" of Palestinians Monday outside the enclave.
The United States rejects the inflammatory and irresponsible statements from Israeli Ministers Smotrich and Ben Gvir. There should be no mass displacement of Palestinians from Gaza.
— Matthew Miller (@StateDeptSpox) January 2, 2024
Smotrich and Ben Gvir have been under fire after their remarks earlier this week that presented Palestinian migration as a solution to the deep-rooted conflict between Israel and Palestine.
Ben Gvir said it was a "correct, just, moral and humane solution" to the conflict, while Smotrich said encouraging voluntary migration among the Gazan public "to countries that will agree to take in the refugees" was the "correct solution."
At least 3 explosions near merchant ship in Red Sea: UKMTO
The UKMTO said late Tuesday that it received reports of "up to 3 explosions 1-5nm (nautical miles) from a merchant vessel" in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
There was no damage to the ship and the crew were reported safe at the time of the incident reports.
UKMTO WARNING 001/JAN/2024
— United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) (@UK_MTO) January 2, 2024
ATTACK – INCIDENT 001 UPDATE 001https://t.co/XsgrK5uW2N
UKMTO has received reports of up to 3 explosions 1-5nm from a merchant vessel in the Bab El Mandeb 33NM East of Assab, Eritrea.#Maritimesecurity #MarSec pic.twitter.com/nMqcZkAYBP
News of the latest incidents at the Red Sea came amid continuing attacks by Yemen's Houthi rebel army targeting commercial shipping activities in the area.
IDF in 'very high state of readiness' on night of Arouri assassination
The Israeli army has yet to officially confirm that it carried out the strike that killed one of Hamas' leaders, but IDF spokesperson Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said Tuesday that the "most important thing to say tonight is that" the IDF "is in a very high state of readiness" on both the defensive and offensive aspects.
He added that Israeli forces are still focused on fighting Hamas.
“The IDF is in a very high state of readiness in all arenas, in defense and offense. We are highly prepared for any scenario. The most important thing to say tonight is that we are focused and remain focused on fighting Hamas.” - Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, IDF Spokesperson pic.twitter.com/3D6ImrjymE
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) January 2, 2024
Macron urges Israel to avoid escalation 'particularly in Lebanon'
French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday spoke over the phone with Israeli minister and war cabinet member Benny Gantz, urging the country to "avoid any escalatory attitude, particularly in Lebanon," the Elysee Palace said.
Macron's advice to the Israeli government came following Hezbollah's warning that the assassination of Hamas' deputy leader will not go unanswered.
Iran condemns Hamas top leader's assassination
Iran, which supports Hezbollah, Hamas, and other militant groups across the Middle East, condemned the killing of Arouri shortly after Hamas announced his death.
Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson Nasser Kan'ani said Arouri's assassination was a "violation of Lebanon's sovereignty and territorial integrity," as per Mehr News.
Kan'ani went on to call on the United Nations Security Council and other international organizations to "fulfill its duty" and take the necessary steps to address the Hamas deputy leader's killing.
Israel did not give US heads-up on Arouri assassination operation: Report
Israel was behind the killing of Hamas' deputy leader in Beirut Tuesday, but it did not give the U.S. a heads-up before the operation, Axios political reporter Barak Ravid wrote on X, citing two U.S. officials.
A senior Israeli official has confirmed that Washington wasn't notified ahead of time, but that Israel informed the U.S. of its attack "as the operation was happening," Ravid added.
Lebanese and Palestinian security sources earlier said Israel carried out a drone strike that killed Arouri.
Israel prepares for 'significant' Hezbollah response
The Israeli army is preparing for a "significant retaliation" by Hezbollah after the killing of al-Arouri in Lebanese territory, Ravid wrote on X, citing a senior Israeli official.
Israel is preparing for the possible launching of long-range missiles by Iran-backed Hezbollah toward Israeli assets.
BREAKING: A senior Israeli official told me Israel is preparing for a significant retaliation by Hezbollah for the Arouri assassination including by launching long range missiles on targets in Israel
— Barak Ravid (@BarakRavid) January 2, 2024
Hezbollah vows retribution for Hamas top leader's assassination
Iran-backed Hezbollah has promised that it will respond to Israel following the killing of al-Arouri in an attack in a Beirut suburb Tuesday.
The Hamas deputy leader's assassination "will never pass without response and punishment," the Lebanon-based terror group said in a statement posted on its social media channels.
The paramilitary group called the Tuesday attack "a dangerous development in the course of the war between the enemy and the axis of resistance." It accused Israel of "resorting to a policy of assassination and physical liquidation of everyone who worked, planned, carried out or supported the heroic Al-Aqsa Flood operation (Oct. 7 massacre by Hamas in Israel)."
Multiple outlets reported that the attack against al-Arouri was carried out by Israel as part of its reported campaign of assassinating Hamas leaders outside the Gaza Strip.
