KEY POINTS
- Israel is reportedly preparing for Iranian retaliation from Syria and Lebanon
- U.S. said some personnel were injured by the Iran-backed group's attack at Iraq base
- Some countries have expressed willingness to accept Gaza refugees, as per Israeli MK
It's the 81st day of intense fighting between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, and continuing bombardment between Israeli forces and Hezbollah militants near Israel's northern border with Lebanon risks a wider war that other countries have been concerned about since the Oct. 7 massacre by Hamas in Israel.
Aside from the Israel-Hezbollah fire exchanges intensifying in recent days, U.S. strikes targeting Kata'ib Hezbollah facilities in Iraq Monday are raising fears of a regional spillover.
- Incident reported early Tuesday off Al-Hodeidah: UKMTO
- Japan will sanction 3 Hamas members believed to have financing authority
- At least 1 pro-Iran militia member was killed in US airstrikes: Report
- Austin reiterates the airstrikes in Iraq were 'necessary and proportionate'
- Iranian FM says 'tough countdown' awaits Israel
- Northern Israel residents say government has 'abandoned' them
- Hapag-Lloyd to decide on Red Sea shipments Wednesday
- 2 explosions reported off Houthi-held Hodeidah port
- Chances of new hostage-ceasefire deal currently low: Israeli officials
- Israel warns organizations about Iranian phishing attack
- Israel is fighting on seven fronts: Israeli defense minister
- Missile fired from Lebanon toward northern Israel church: Local media
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) continue to publish footage and images of what it said is proof of Hamas' use of medical facilities across the Gaza Strip for its paramilitary operations. The latest reveal includes a video that the IDF said showed a "variety of materials" linking the Indonesian Hospital in northern Gaza to Hamas.
Desperation is growing by the day among the families of hostages still being held in Gaza. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told the families in a special Knesset session Monday that the government was "making every effort, both seen and unseen" to bring the remaining captives back home.
Hamas and its ally, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ), reportedly rejected the idea of a government overhaul in Gaza in exchange for a permanent ceasefire.
Hamas' Oct. 7 massacre of more than 1,200 people marks the pinnacle of the deep-rooted history of the Israel-Palestine conflict riddled with decades of violence and hostilities that has often left civilians from both sides suffering from the impact of endless fighting.
The live update has ended.
Civilian wounded in Lebanese missile attack
An Israeli civilian was wounded after an anti-tank missile was fired from Lebanon toward a church in northern Israel, local media reported Tuesday local time.
🔴 Israeli civilian wounded by anti-tank missile fired from Lebanon toward a church in northern Israel
— i24NEWS English (@i24NEWS_EN) December 26, 2023
