In Gaza, eight Israeli soldiers were killed when an armored personnel carrier exploded in Rafah. The cause is under investigation, with possibilities including a bomb placed by Hamas or onboard explosives meant for mine-laying. Among those killed was Captain Wassem Mahmoud. The U.S.-built aid pier detached from Gaza's coast for the second time due to high seas but is expected to be operational again by next week. The Hamas-controlled Health Ministry in Gaza reported at least 37,296 Palestinian deaths and 85,197 injuries since the start of the war.
In Lebanon, two rockets launched from Lebanon landed near an IDF base on Mt Meron without causing casualties or damage. A Hezbollah operative was killed in an Israeli drone strike near Bint Jbeil. The IDF conducted airstrikes on Hezbollah rocket launchers and a military structure in southern Lebanon, and explosive drones from Lebanon sparked fires in the Western Galilee. U.S. officials fear escalating tensions between Israel and Hezbollah could lead to a full-scale war.
In Israel, PM Netanyahu's son criticized top IDF and security officials on social media. National Security Minister Ben-Gvir was accused of legal breaches for attempting to intervene in police work. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant is scheduled to visit the Pentagon for talks. International support for the ICC included a declaration signed by 93 countries, including Australia, Canada, and Germany. The ICC has applied for arrest warrants for Hamas leaders, PM Netanyahu, and Defense Minister Gallant.
Regarding hostages and the cease-fire, families of hostages and victims called for government action to secure a hostage release deal and public support at a protest in Tel Aviv.
In the West Bank, five Palestinians were wounded by IDF fire near Ramallah during a pursuit of a car-ramming suspect. A 16-year-old Palestinian was killed, and three others were wounded in Beit Furik. Israeli settlers attacked a Palestinian shepherd and an activist in the West Bank.
Concerning the Houthis, a merchant vessel's crew was evacuated after a Houthi attack east of Yemen's Aden, leading to the ship catching fire and sinking. U.S. forces destroyed Houthi radars and drones in Yemen.
The Israeli-Hamas conflict saw Israel declare war after Hamas killed over 1,200 Israelis on October 7. The conflict follows significant domestic political turmoil in Israel, including controversial judiciary legislation and increased violence between West Bank Palestinians and Israeli settlers.
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