KEY POINTS
- Hamas has thanked Canada and two other countries for their support in calling for ceasefire
- U.S. is in talks with France over Houthi threat
- Red Sea countries are "responsible" for protecting the area, as per Egypt
The war between Israel and Hamas has entered its 77th day with Jordan reportedly intercepting a drone launched by Iraqi militias toward a southern port city in Israel.
The Pentagon said more than 20 countries have joined the Red Sea maritime task force that seeks to protect shipping activities in the area following multiple attacks by Yemen's Houthi rebel army targeting commercial ships.
- Greece announces participation in Red Sea security operation
- US 'can support' latest version of Gaza draft resolution: Ambassador
- Canada, Australia, NZ in the 'right direction' toward isolating Israel: Senior Hamas official
- Sinwar's Khan Yunis home reduced to a crater
- Rocket barrage fired toward western Galilee: Local media
- Shipping activity at Eilat Port drops by 85%: CEO
- Hezbollah says targeting Israeli army barracks in northern moshav: Arab media
- Exporters seek sea shipping alternatives amid Houthi rampage
- Kasbah area in Beit Hanoun 'cleared': IDF
Khan Yunis, the known hometown of Yahya Sinwar, Hamas' most senior official in Gaza, is the focus of ground operations by Israel Defense Forces (IDF). The IDF announced late Thursday that Israeli forces were closing in on the "underground bunkers" of Hamas leadership in Khan Yunis after they dismantled the terror group's above-and-below-ground "Senior Quarter" in Gaza City Wednesday.
The United Nations Security Council will vote Friday on a draft resolution calling for increased aid for Gaza. The vote was first scheduled for Monday but was pushed back four times due to the U.S. raising issues with some language in the text regarding the fighting.
Amid international pressure to agree to a ceasefire, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has repeatedly reiterated that Israel is fighting to prevent Hamas from threatening Israel again.
The Oct. 7 massacre of more than 1,200 people by Hamas operatives was a culmination of the violent history of the Israel-Palestine conflict that has drawn attacks toward Israel from several fronts, including on the north by Iran-backed Hezbollah.
Iran slams UAE for 'deplorable' support of Israel
Ali Akbar Velayati, a senior advisor to Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, said Friday that the country will respond accordingly to countries that wish for Iran's ill fate, the semi-official Mehr News Agency reported.
He also criticized the United Arab Emirates for supporting Israel instead of "taking practical action" over the war in Gaza, as per the report.
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