KEY POINTS
- Cracks in the Netanyahu-Biden relationship deepened over the IDF's Rafah invasion plan, report says
- 3 countries express concern over Israel's Rafah ground campaign plan
- U.S.-funded flour for Gaza reportedly stuck at Israeli customs, raising White House's concerns
On the 132nd day of the Israel-Hamas war, the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced the late January seizure of weapons and military components from Iran that was bound for Houthi-held areas of Yemen.
The Israeli army's ground troops have kicked off a "limited" operation inside the Nasser Hospital in Khan Yunis, southern Gaza's main city, near Rafah, which is at center of international concerns over Israel's planned ground campaign in the overcrowded city.
Wednesday's fire exchanges killed at least 12 people and injured over a dozen others in Israel and Lebanon. The casualties included a soldier with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) when Hezbollah, a powerful militant group that, like Hamas, is backed by Iran, launched a rocket barrage toward Safed in northern Israel.
- World Health Organization accuses Israel of impeding Gaza aid deliveries
- Joe Biden blocks deportation of 'certain' Palestinians, citing Gaza situation
- Wounded Al Jazeera journalist also a Hamas deputy company commander: IDF
- Iran will 'reciprocate' if its vessels captured after US DOJ says Iranian fuel seized
- US strikes over a dozen Houthi assets in Yemen: CENTCOM
- 'Credible intelligence' some bodies of hostages may be at Nasser Hospital: IDF
- Senior Hezbollah commander reportedly assassinated in 'targeted strike'
- US, Arab partners may propose Palestinian state plan in coming weeks: Report
- Doctors Without Borders says Nasser Hospital shelled early Thursday
Back in the Gaza Strip, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the Israeli army is preparing for "powerful action" in Rafah, an overcrowded city near Gaza's border with Egypt that has more than a million residents and evacuees.
U.S. Defense Minister Lloyd Austin told his Israeli counterpart, Yoav Gallant, in a phone call that Israel must ensure civilian safety before any action is implemented in Rafah.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operation (UKMTO) reported a second day of no maritime disruptions in the Red Sea Wednesday after the last attack on an Iran-bound ship by Yemeni Houthi rebels.
Meanwhile, Netanyahu remains unmoved amid increasing calls for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. He said the Israeli army will fight until Hamas is eliminated and until the terror group can no longer incite more violence in the decades-long Israel-Palestine conflict.
The deep-rooted conflict erupted on Oct. 7, when Hamas militants launched a surprise attack in Israel, killing more than 1,200 people and abducting some 240 hostages. Around 110 abductees were freed in a late November ceasefire deal. Efforts to reach another truce agreement are at a standstill as the warring sides push the other to soften their demands.
Hezbollah says 'official' killed: Arab media
Hezbollah on Thursday announced the "killing" of two of its members, including an "official named Ali Muhammad al-Debs," Sky News Arabia reported.
This comes after initial local Israeli reports that a senior Hezbollah commander was assassinated in a "targeted strike" in Lebanon.
