KEY POINTS
- Jordanian King urges 'lasting' ceasefire in apparent divide with Washington stance
- Iran warns of 'severe consequences' should Israel pursue Rafah ground offensive
- International Criminal Court prosecutor 'deeply concerned' by situation in Gaza
The Israel-Hamas war is now in its 130th day. South Africa, following its "genocide" case against Israel, has filed an urgent request with the World Court, seeking its intervention in Rafah amid growing concerns over Israel's preparations for a ground offensive in the overcrowded southern Gaza city.
The U.S. on Tuesday said Houthis, a Hamas ally and Iranian-backed terror group, attacked an Iran-bound merchant vessel in the Red Sea. The group has repeatedly claimed that it only attacks Israeli, American and British ships.
France has reportedly proposed a 10-day de-escalation plan in the Israel-Lebanon border between the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Iranian-backed Hezbollah combatants, amid rising fears of an all-out war.
Following reports that a senior Hezbollah leader was severely wounded in an Israeli strike, Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah vowed that attacks toward Israel will continue until the war in Gaza ends.
- 3 of 8 wounded Israeli hostages have died: Hamas' Al Qassam Brigades
- IDF believes it can distinguish between civilians and Hamas militants
- Hamas Jenin leader arrested in joint operation: IDF
- Kremlin says ready to support 'any action' leading to ceasefire-hostage deal
- US, UK reportedly launch 'attack' on Houthi sites in Yemen's Hodeidah
- Cairo talks for proposed Gaza ceasefire have started: Arab report
Israel announced the deaths of three soldiers from the IDF's Southern Division, including a battalion commander. The announcement comes as Israel prepares to launch a ground raid into Rafah despite international calls for restraint.
The US. Central Command (CENTCOM) on Tuesday confirmed that a Greek-owned ship transiting Bab el-Mandeb Strait in the Red Sea was attacked by two missiles fired by Yemeni Houthi rebels. The merchant ship was bound for Iran.
Back in war-torn Gaza, U.S. President Joe Biden is pushing for a six-week pause in the fighting. The move comes following talks between Biden and Jordan's King Abdullah II.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reiterated that the Israeli army will continue fighting against Hamas until the Palestinian terror group that murdered more than 1,200 people during the Oct. 7 shock raid in Israel is eliminated. His government has had an unwavering stance regarding the IDF's ground campaign in Gaza, as driven by years of violence in the history of the Israel-Palestine conflict.
Meanwhile, the loved ones of remaining hostages in Gaza have become increasingly frustrated with the pace of negotiations for a ceasefire-hostage deal. Two elderly hostages were rescued by Israeli troops from Rafah on Monday, while some 130 others are yet to be freed.
The live update has ended.
Truce deal talks in Cairo begin: Arab report
Talks in Cairo over the proposed Gaza ceasefire have started, Sky News in Arabic reported, citing Egyptian sources. Negotiators from the U.S., Israel, Qatar and Egypt are joining the discussions, as per the report.
