KEY POINTS
- US airman critically injured after setting himself on fire outside Israeli embassy in protest
- Hezbollah says it downed Israeli drone over Lebanese territory
- Hamas says optimism over new ceasefire-hostage deal not reflecting reality
Tensions in the Middle East continue to climb as the Israel-Hamas war entered its 143rd day – Iranian-backed Houthis are still attacking commercial shipping lanes in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden and Arabian Sea, while Lebanon-based and Iran-backed terror group Hezbollah risks an all-out war in Israel's northern front.
In war-torn Gaza, Palestinian Authority (PA) Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh revealed that he has submitted his resignation to President Mahmoud Abbas amid increasing pressure from the U.S. to implement reforms within the PA as Washington races to help establish a political structure for a post-war Gaza.
- Armed Hamas operatives seizing humanitarian aid for Gaza civilians: Local media
- Greece approves military's participation in EU's Red Sea naval mission
- 2 Hezbollah militants killed in IDF strikes after downing of Israeli drone
- 'Prominent figure' assassinated in Israeli drone attack targeting car in Lebanon: Arab media
- Israeli delegation heads for Qatar in ceasefire-hostage deal push: Report
- Hezbollah confirms deaths of 2 members after Israeli airstrikes
- Missile barrage fired toward Golan from southern Lebanon: Arab media
- Israeli government reportedly discussed possible UNRWA alternative: Local report
U.S. forces with the Central Command (CENTCOM) downed Houthi assets in the Red Sea Sunday night, with the Yemeni rebel militia seemingly retaliating in a missile attack targeting an American tanker in the Gulf of Aden.
Hezbollah, which is a more powerful and heavily-armed terror organization than Hamas, claimed attacks on sites and "positioning points" belonging to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) which has recently been reinforcing its northern units amid increasing rocket and missile launches from Lebanese territory.
Back in Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the Israeli army has presented a "plan for evacuating" Gaza civilians from fighting zones in the devastated enclave. This comes amid increasing pressure from U.S. President Joe Biden to establish a clear plan that would secure the safety of civilians before a ground operation is conducted on overcrowded Rafah.
Less than two weeks before the raging war in Gaza enters its fifth month, some 130 hostages remain in Hamas captivity. They were taken from Israel during Hamas' Oct. 7 massacre of more than a thousand people.
Hamas' rampage in Israel stems from the violent history of the Israel-Palestine conflict that has left thousands dead and many more injured.
The live update has ended.
Israel reportedly seeking UNRWA alternative
The Israeli government has discussed searching for an alternative group that will distribute humanitarian aid for civilians in Gaza, The Times of Israel reported Monday, citing an Israeli official.
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) currently holds the said position, but it has been under increasing scrutiny following an Israeli exposé that alleged 12 of its personnel directly participated in Hamas' Oct. 7 atrocities.
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