KEY POINTS
- Britain 'alarmed' by Jerusalem summit calling for Israeli resettlement in Gaza
- Kataib Hezbollah announces end to attacks against U.S. forces
- UN assessment mission in Gaza could take place soon, official says
It's the 117th day of the Israel-Hamas war, and as intense fighting continues in Gaza's second-largest city, there is growing concern over tensions in the Middle East due to continuing attacks by Iran-backed militias toward Israel and military assets of its main ally, the United States.
The White House's national security spokesperson, John Kirby, said the U.S. will take a "tiered approach" in its response to the killing of three U.S. servicemen in Jordan instead of a single military action.
- Iran warns it will have a 'strong response' to any attack against the country
- CIA chief says Israel, Middle East security relies on 'dealing with Iran'
- Netanyahu has a 4-year post-war plan that includes recognizing Palestinian statehood: Report
- Saudi, Kuwait pledge support for efforts to resolve Red Sea crisis
- Houthis say US, UK battleships within its 'target bank'
- Hamas is reviewing a 3-phase ceasefire proposal: Report
- US expects Iraq to help disrupt funding of Iranian-backed militias
- Authorities detain some protesters at Kerem Shalom crossing: Local media
- Civilians no longer allowed at Nitzana border crossing: IDF
U.S. President Joe Biden has been under increasing pressure from his political rivals to respond with decisive military action in the first U.S. military losses in the region since the war in Gaza started – Washington attributes the attack to Iran and other Iran-backed militias.
Iranian-backed Hezbollah claimed that it attacked the Israeli army's Biranit barracks even as the international community called for restraint in the turbulent Israeli-Lebanese border.
Commercial vessels are still the target of Yemeni Houthi rebels. However, an American destroyer intercepted one missile launched by the Iranian-backed Houthis Tuesday, the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said.
Back in the devastated Gaza Strip, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that it flooded Hamas tunnels in an effort to reduce the Palestinian terror group's underground capabilities.
Meanwhile, hopes for a new ceasefire deal in exchange for the release of around 130 remaining in Gaza were dashed after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he would reject any proposal that includes the total withdrawal of Israeli troops from the enclave.
More countries, even some that expressed support for Israel's right to self-defense, are calling for a two-state solution as part of the efforts to put an end to the longstanding Israel-Palestine conflict that reached a frenzied point on Oct. 7, when Hamas militants murdered more than 1,200 people in Israel and abducted over 240 hostages.
The live update has ended.
IDF prohibits civilian presence at Nitzana crossing amid protests
The Israeli army on Wednesday announced that the Nitzana border crossing will be closed to civilians amid demonstrations to prevent aid for Gaza from entering Israeli territory for inspection.
Protesters, including some loved ones of remaining hostages in Hamas captivity, have seen an increasing police presence in the Kerem Shalom, thus prompting them to move to the Nitzana border crossing area to continue their demonstrations.
They want humanitarian aid entry into Gaza stopped until Hamas releases over 130 hostages still being held in Gaza more than a hundred days since the war started.
