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.
