Nine Israelis Killed in Rocket Attack from Lebanon

Nine Israelis, including children and teens, were killed in a rocket attack from Lebanon on the Golan Heights town of Majdal Shams, marking the most serious incident since the start of the war. The attack, which occurred near a football field and playground, has led to urgent consultations between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. Hezbollah has officially denied launching the rocket, despite dozens of rockets being fired into northern Israel from Lebanon on Saturday.

Earlier in the day, the Israeli Navy intercepted a drone launched from Lebanon over Israel's maritime space. The drone posed no threat to gas rigs in the area, according to the IDF. Additionally, the Saudi Al Arabiya network reported that an Israeli attack in southern Lebanon's Kfar Kila killed four people, including two Palestinians.

In response to the conflict, U.S. President Joe Biden announced deportation relief and work permits for about 11,500 Lebanese nationals already in the U.S.

In Gaza, Israeli strikes targeted a school in Deir al-Balah, which the IDF claimed was being used as a Hamas command center. The attack killed at least 30 people and wounded 100, according to Palestinian reports. Gaza's Health Ministry reported that another 23 people were killed in Khan Yunis, an area that had previously been designated as part of Gaza's humanitarian zone.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas' spokesman, Nabil Abu Rudeineh, blamed the U.S. for the Deir al-Balah strike, accusing Israel of feeling protected by the United States and attacking civilians with impunity.

In the West Bank, an Israeli soldier was wounded in a shooting by Palestinians at a checkpoint in Nablus. Subsequent IDF drone attacks and clashes resulted in the death of a 17-year-old Palestinian and injuries to 28 others.

An Israeli delegation led by Mossad chief David Barnea will travel to Rome next week to renew cease-fire and hostage release negotiations. However, Israeli officials warn that their updated position on the Gaza deal might jeopardize talks.

In the U.S., former President Donald Trump criticized Vice President Kamala Harris' remarks on Israel as "disrespectful" after meeting with Netanyahu.

The conflict has led to significant casualties on both sides. Israel declared war following Hamas' attack on October 7, which killed at least 1,200 Israelis and wounded over 3,300. The Hamas-controlled Health Ministry in Gaza reports at least 39,258 Palestinians have been killed since the war began. The war has intensified amid significant domestic political and social crises in Israel, driven by controversial judicial reforms and escalating violence between West Bank Palestinians and Israeli settlers.