Iraq has issued a stern warning to the U.S. in response to an airstrike in Baghdad. Senior commander Abu Baqir al-Saadi of Kataib Hezbollah died in a drone strike. The commander of the pro-Iran militia group was linked to an attack on a US base in Jordan last week.

Iraq issues stern warning to the US in response to an airstrike in Baghdad

Israel on Saturday (Feb 3) said that it had struck over 50 targets linked to the Iranian-backed Lebanese movement Hezbollah since the war broke out in the Gaza Strip on October 7, 2023.

Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, the top military spokesperson, made the comments during a briefing that focused mostly on countering Hezbollah attacks that were launched in support of Hamas.&nbsp;

"Everywhere Hezbollah is, we shall be. We will take action everywhere required in the Middle East," Hagari said.

Israeli forces have so far attacked 34,000 Hezbollah targets in Lebanon, including 120 border surveillance outposts, 40 caches of missiles and other weaponry and more than 40 command centres, said Hagari.

He stated that the number of enemies killed in the attack was over 200.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/red-sea-crisis-us-military-says-it-destroyed-drones-near-yemen-686759">Red Sea crisis: US military says it destroyed drones near Yemen</a>

<h2>'No deal yet on Gaza truce', says senior Hamas official</h2>

Meanwhile, a senior Hamas official on Saturday said that a final deal had not yet been reached over pausing the four-month-long war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group in the Gaza Strip.

Osama Hamdan, a top Hamas official in Lebanon said that the leaders of the militant group were reviewing the proposal by top officials from Israel, Qatar, Egypt and the United States, but more time was needed to "announce our position".

He told a news conference that his movement "has repeatedly said" it was "open to discussing any initiative... putting an end to this barbaric aggression against our Palestinian people".

He confirmed that the group had received the proposal that was drafted by top leaders in Paris, however, stated that an agreement had not yet been reached and that the plan was missing certain details.

"We will announce our position" soon, "based on... our desire to put an end as quickly as possible to the aggression that our people suffer", he added.

<h2>US military says it destroyed drones near Yemen</h2>

In another development from the Red Sea crisis, the United States on Saturday (Feb 3) launched strikes targeting six anti-ship missiles belonging to Yemen's Houthi rebel group, according to the US military.

The missiles were "prepared to launch against ships in the Red Sea. US forces identified the cruise missiles in Huthi-controlled areas of Yemen and determined they presented an imminent threat to US Navy ships and merchant vessels," Central Command (CENTCOM) said in a post on social media.&nbsp;

Earlier in the day, CENTCOM said that the American forces had shot down eight drones near Yemen on Friday (Feb 2) and destroyed four more before they could be launched.

It further said that the ones hit on the ground belonged to the Iran-backed Houthi rebel group. However, CENTCOM did not specify a country or group linked to the missiles shot out of the air.

Anger over Israel's destructive campaign in Gaza, which began on October 7 in response to unprecedented attacks by Hamas, has spread throughout the Middle East.

(With inputs from agencies)

Israel on Saturday (Feb 3) said that it had struck over 50 targets linked to the Iranian-backed Lebanese movement Hezbollah since the war broke out in the Gaza Strip on October 7, 2023.

Israel on Saturday (Feb 3) said that it had struck over 50 targets linked to the Iranian-backed Lebanese movement Hezbollah since the war broke out in the Gaza Strip on October 7, 2023. Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, the top military spokesperson, made the comments during a briefing that focused mostly on countering Hezbollah attacks that were launched in support of Hamas. "Everywhere Hezbollah is, we shall be. We will take action everywhere required in the Middle East," Hagari said. Israeli forces have so far attacked 34,000 Hezbollah targets in Lebanon, including 120 border surveillance outposts, 40 caches of missiles and other weaponry and more than 40 command centres, said Hagari. He stated that the number of enemies killed in the attack was over 200. Also read: Red Sea crisis: US military says it destroyed drones near Yemen 'No deal yet on Gaza truce', says senior Hamas official Meanwhile, a senior Hamas official on Saturday said that a final deal had not yet been reached over pausing the four-month-long war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group in the Gaza Strip. Osama Hamdan, a top Hamas official in Lebanon said that the leaders of the militant group were reviewing the proposal by top officials from Israel, Qatar, Egypt and the United States, but more time was needed to "announce our position". He told a news conference that his movement "has repeatedly said" it was "open to discussing any initiative... putting an end to this barbaric aggression against our Palestinian people". He confirmed that the group had received the proposal that was drafted by top leaders in Paris, however, stated that an agreement had not yet been reached and that the plan was missing certain details. "We will announce our position" soon, "based on... our desire to put an end as quickly as possible to the aggression that our people suffer", he added. US military says it destroyed drones near Yemen In another development from the Red Sea crisis, the United States on Saturday (Feb 3) launched strikes targeting six anti-ship missiles belonging to Yemen's Houthi rebel group, according to the US military. The missiles were "prepared to launch against ships in the Red Sea. US forces identified the cruise missiles in Huthi-controlled areas of Yemen and determined they presented an imminent threat to US Navy ships and merchant vessels," Central Command (CENTCOM) said in a post on social media. Earlier in the day, CENTCOM said that the American forces had shot down eight drones near Yemen on Friday (Feb 2) and destroyed four more before they could be launched. It further said that the ones hit on the ground belonged to the Iran-backed Houthi rebel group. However, CENTCOM did not specify a country or group linked to the missiles shot out of the air. Anger over Israel's destructive campaign in Gaza, which began on October 7 in response to unprecedented attacks by Hamas, has spread throughout the Middle East. (With inputs from agencies)

Over 50 Hezbollah targets hit in Syria since Oct 7, says Israel

Washington has said that the recent drone attack on a US base in Jordan was carried out by the Islamic resistance in Iraq. The umbrella group is a coalition of Iran-backed militia including militant group Hezbollah.

US: Attack planned & facilitated by Islamic resistance in Iraq

Missiles struck US controlled Al Asad base in Iraq. Missiles struck US controlled Al Asad base in Iraq. Missiles reportedly launched by Iranian proxies from within Iraq. Most missiles intercepted, no major injuries reported from strike. Watch to know more!

US strikes Iranian targets in Iraq

Israel-Hamas war continues to expand beyond Gaza amid intensifying attacks by regional proxies, and consequent counterattacks as well as pre-emptive strikes by Israel and the United States.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-says-it-hit-another-houthi-anti-ship-missile-aimed-into-the-gulf-of-aden-681907">US hits another Houthi anti-ship missile aimed into the Gulf of Aden</a>

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-says-israeli-strike-on-damascus-kills-guards-syria-spy-chief-along-with-4-others-681852">Iran says Israeli strike on Damascus killed Guards’ Syria spy chief along with 4 others</a>

Besides, weeks after South Africa led by President Ramaphosa and foreign minister <a href="https://x.com/heatherbarr1/status/1746482842333245723?s=20">Naledi Pandor</a> filed a case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for allegedly committing genocide of Palestinians in Gaza in the ongoing war, Indonesia has now filed a new case at the ICJ to purportedly hold Israel accountable for its "policies and practices" in the blockaded Palestinian enclaves.&nbsp;

The latest ICJ case comes after Israeli&nbsp;Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's purported denouncement of the creation of a future state of Palestine. On Saturday (Jan 20), Netanyahu repeated that there is 'no space' for a Palestinian state amid the prevailing security situation in the region.

But this has again put the spotlight on previously proposed permanent solutions for the Israel-Palestine conflict, the most prominent of which is a&nbsp;two-state solution. It&nbsp;envisions an independent State of Palestine alongside the State of Israel, in the region west of the Jordan River.&nbsp;

Netanyahu's comment came as Israel's retaliatory state of war in the Gaza Strip entered its fifteenth week after the events of October 7 when Hamas militants attacked southern Israel and&nbsp;killed about 1200 people and took over 240 hostages.&nbsp;

Hamas continues to hold most of the captives it abducted after its October 7 attack.&nbsp;

So far, 24,927 people have been killed in Gaza, according to data provided by the Hamas-run health ministry in the blockaded Palestinian enclave.

<h2>Israel's military campaign beyond Gaza</h2>

Israel&nbsp;reportedly killed one top Hamas official, Saleh al Arouri by a drone strike in Beirut in early January. A senior Hezbollah leader was killed soon after.

Also watch |&nbsp;Iran blames Israel for Syria attack, says 4 of its officers killed in Damascus

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On Saturday, a strike in the Syrian capital, Damascus, also killed five Iranian military advisers. A second attack in southern Lebanon killed two people, local media reported.

<h2>Netanyahu's response to ICJ cases</h2>

As for the cases in the ICJ, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said: "Nobody will stop us — not The Hague, not the Axis of Evil, and not anybody else."

The "axis of evil" is a term that Netanyahu first used in October 2023 during the initial weeks of the war in Gaza to assert that Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran are colluding to wage war against Israel.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iranian-and-hezbollah-commanders-help-direct-houthi-attacks-in-yemen-report-681909">Iranian and Hezbollah commanders help direct Houthi attacks in Yemen: Report</a>

But since then, Yemen-based and Iran-backed Houthi rebels have attacked the Red Sea maritime route in purported solidarity with Palestinians, threatening global trade. Consequently, the United States has used its maritime assets to target Houthi bases in an attempt to minimise the threat to global trade.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Israel-Hamas war continues to expand beyond Gaza amid intensifying attacks by regional proxies, and consequent counterattacks as well as pre-emptive strikes by Israel and the United States.

Israel-Hamas war continues to expand beyond Gaza amid intensifying attacks by regional proxies, and consequent counterattacks as well as pre-emptive strikes by Israel and the United States. Also read | US hits another Houthi anti-ship missile aimed into the Gulf of Aden Also read | Iran says Israeli strike on Damascus killed Guards’ Syria spy chief along with 4 others Besides, weeks after South Africa led by President Ramaphosa and foreign minister Naledi Pandor filed a case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for allegedly committing genocide of Palestinians in Gaza in the ongoing war, Indonesia has now filed a new case at the ICJ to purportedly hold Israel accountable for its "policies and practices" in the blockaded Palestinian enclaves. The latest ICJ case comes after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's purported denouncement of the creation of a future state of Palestine. On Saturday (Jan 20), Netanyahu repeated that there is 'no space' for a Palestinian state amid the prevailing security situation in the region. But this has again put the spotlight on previously proposed permanent solutions for the Israel-Palestine conflict, the most prominent of which is a two-state solution. It envisions an independent State of Palestine alongside the State of Israel, in the region west of the Jordan River. Netanyahu's comment came as Israel's retaliatory state of war in the Gaza Strip entered its fifteenth week after the events of October 7 when Hamas militants attacked southern Israel and killed about 1200 people and took over 240 hostages. Hamas continues to hold most of the captives it abducted after its October 7 attack. So far, 24,927 people have been killed in Gaza, according to data provided by the Hamas-run health ministry in the blockaded Palestinian enclave. Israel's military campaign beyond Gaza Israel reportedly killed one top Hamas official, Saleh al Arouri by a drone strike in Beirut in early January. A senior Hezbollah leader was killed soon after. Also watch | Iran blames Israel for Syria attack, says 4 of its officers killed in Damascus × On Saturday, a strike in the Syrian capital, Damascus, also killed five Iranian military advisers. A second attack in southern Lebanon killed two people, local media reported. Netanyahu's response to ICJ cases As for the cases in the ICJ, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said: "Nobody will stop us — not The Hague, not the Axis of Evil, and not anybody else." The "axis of evil" is a term that Netanyahu first used in October 2023 during the initial weeks of the war in Gaza to assert that Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran are colluding to wage war against Israel. Also read | Iranian and Hezbollah commanders help direct Houthi attacks in Yemen: Report But since then, Yemen-based and Iran-backed Houthi rebels have attacked the Red Sea maritime route in purported solidarity with Palestinians, threatening global trade. Consequently, the United States has used its maritime assets to target Houthi bases in an attempt to minimise the threat to global trade. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel-Hamas war continues to expand beyond Gaza with conflict against regional proxies

Commanders from Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) and Lebanon's Hezbollah group are on the ground in Yemen helping to direct and oversee Houthi attacks on Red Sea shipping, four regional and two Iranian sources told Reuters.

Iran - which has armed, trained and funded the Houthis - stepped up its weapons supplies to the militia in the wake of the war in Gaza, which erupted after Iranian-backed militants of&nbsp; Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7, the four regional sources said.

Tehran has provided advanced drones, anti-ship cruise missiles, precision-strike ballistic missiles and medium-range missiles to the Houthis, who started targeting commercial vessels in November in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza, the sources said.

IRGC commanders and advisers are also providing know-how, data and intelligence support to determine which of the dozens of vessels travelling through the Red Sea each day are destined for Israel and constitute Houthi targets, all the sources said.

Washington said last month that Iran was deeply involved in planning operations against shipping in the Red Sea and that its intelligence was critical in enabling&nbsp;the Houthis to target ships.

In response to a request for comment for this story, the White House pointed to its previous public comments about how Iran has been supporting the Houthis.

In his weekly news conferences, Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani has repeatedly denied Tehran is involved in the Red Sea attacks by the Houthis. The IRGC public relations office did not respond to request for comment.

Houthi spokesperson Mohammed Abdulsalam denied any Iranian or Hezbollah involvement in helping to direct the Red Sea attacks. A Hezbollah spokesperson did not respond to a request for comment.

The Houthis, who emerged in the 1980s as an armed group in opposition to Saudi Arabia's Sunni religious influence in Yemen, say they are supporting Hamas by striking commercial ships they say are either linked to Israel or are heading to Israeli ports.

Their attacks have affected global shipping between Asia and Europe through the Bab al-Mandab strait off Yemen. That has triggered U.S. and British air strikes on Houthi targets in the country, opening a new theatre of conflict linked to the war in Gaza.

The Gaza conflict has also sparked clashes between Israel and Hezbollah militants along the Lebanese border, as well as attacks by Iran-linked groups on U.S. targets in Iraq and Syria.

"The Revolutionary Guards have been helping the Houthis with military training (on advanced weapons)," an Iranian insider told Reuters. "A group of Houthi fighters were in Iran last month and were trained in an IRGC base in central Iran to get familiar with the new technology and the use of missiles."

The person said Iranian commanders had travelled to Yemen as well and set up a command centre in the capital Sanaa for the Red Sea attacks which is being run by the senior IRGC commander responsible for Yemen.

<h2>Regional Strategy</h2>

The Red Sea attacks fit in with Iran's strategy of expanding and mobilising its regional Shi'ite network of armed militias to project its influence and show its ability to threaten maritime security in the region and beyond, two analysts said.

They said Tehran wanted to show that the Gaza war could be too costly for the West if it drags on - and could have catastrophic consequences in the region as things escalate.

"The Houthis are not acting independently," said Abdulaziz al-Sager, director of the Gulf Research Center think-tank, who based his conclusion on a close analysis of the capabilities of the group, which has an estimated 20,000 fighters.

"The Houthis, with their personnel, expertise and capabilities are not that advanced. Dozens of vessels cross through Bab al-Mandab daily, the Houthis don't have the means, resources, knowledge or satellite information to find the specific target and attack," he said.

White House national security spokeswoman Adrienne Watson also said last month that Iranian-provided tactical intelligence had been critical in enabling the Houthis to target ships.

According to two former Yemeni army sources, there is a clear presence of IRGC and Hezbollah members in Yemen. They are responsible for supervising military operations, training and reassembling missiles smuggled into Yemen as separate pieces, the two people said.

Abdulghani Al-Iryani, a senior researcher at the Sana'a Center for Strategic Studies, an independent think-tank, said: "It is clearly the case that the Iranians are helping identify the target and the destination. There is no local Houthi capacity to do that."

One senior regional source who follows Iran and who spoke on condition of anonymity said: "The political decision is in Tehran, the management is Hezbollah, and the location is the Houthis in Yemen."

<h2>Weapons and advice</h2>

Houthi spokesperson Abdulsalam said the group's aim was to target Israeli ships heading to Israel without causing any human or significant material losses. U.S. and British strikes on Yemen would not force them to back down, he said.

"We don't deny that we have a relationship with Iran and that we have benefited from the Iranian experience in training and military manufacturing and capabilities but the decision taken by Yemen is an independent one that has nothing to do with any other party," he said.

But a security official close to Iran said: "The Houthis have drones, missiles and everything needed for their fight against Israel but they needed guidance and advice on shipping routes and ships, so it has been provided to them by Iran."

When asked what kind of advice Tehran offered, he said it was similar to the advisory role taken by Iran in Syria, ranging from training to overseeing operations when needed.

"A group of Iranian Guards members are in Sanaa now to help the operations," the security official said.

Iran sent hundreds of Revolutionary Guards to Syria, alongside thousands of Hezbollah fighters, to help train and organise Shi'ite militia fighters from Afghanistan, Iraq and Pakistan to prevent the downfall of President Bashar al-Assad during the Sunni-led insurgency that erupted in 2011.

Washington and Gulf Arab states have repeatedly accused Iran of arming, training and financing the Houthis, who follow an offshoot of Shi'ite Islam and are aligned with Tehran as part of its anti-Western, anti-Israel "Axis of Resistance" alongside Lebanon's Hezbollah and groups in Syria and Iraq.

While Iran has denied having any direct role in the Red Sea attacks, Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has praised the Houthis, whose Zaidi sect is an offshoot of Shi'ism, saying he hoped their strikes would last "until victory".

<h2>Train and Equip&nbsp;</h2>

A leader within the coalition of pro-Iranian groups denied there were any commanders from the IRGC or Hezbollah on the ground in Yemen right now.

He said a team of Iranian and Hezbollah military experts had gone to Yemen earlier in its civil war to train, equip and build the manufacturing military capability of the Houthis.

"They came and helped the Houthis and left, just as they did with Hezbollah and Hamas," he said, adding that the military capabilities of the Houthis should not be underestimated.

The person said the Houthis knew the terrain and the sea well and already had the systems in place for attacking ships, including high-precision equipment from Iran.

During the chaotic years after the 2011 Arab Spring uprising in Yemen, the Houthis tightened their grip on the country's north and seized the capital Sanaa in 2014, pushing a Saudi-led coalition to intervene militarily months later.

When Hamas attacked Israel, Iran had little choice but to demonstrate support for the Palestinian group after years of anti-Israel rhetoric but was worried that using Hezbollah would trigger massive Israeli retaliation, analysts said.

Iryani at the Sana'a Center for Strategic Studies said a major war between Israel and Hezbollah would be disastrous for Lebanon - and endanger the future of the group that has become the most important in Iran's "Axis of Resistance".

By contrast, the Houthis were in a unique strategic position to have a huge impact by disrupting global maritime activity with little effort, he said.

Commanders from Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) and Lebanon's Hezbollah group are on the ground in Yemen helping to direct and oversee Houthi attacks on Red Sea shipping, four regional and two Iranian sources told Reuters.

Commanders from Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) and Lebanon's Hezbollah group are on the ground in Yemen helping to direct and oversee Houthi attacks on Red Sea shipping, four regional and two Iranian sources told Reuters. Iran - which has armed, trained and funded the Houthis - stepped up its weapons supplies to the militia in the wake of the war in Gaza, which erupted after Iranian-backed militants of Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7, the four regional sources said. Tehran has provided advanced drones, anti-ship cruise missiles, precision-strike ballistic missiles and medium-range missiles to the Houthis, who started targeting commercial vessels in November in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza, the sources said. IRGC commanders and advisers are also providing know-how, data and intelligence support to determine which of the dozens of vessels travelling through the Red Sea each day are destined for Israel and constitute Houthi targets, all the sources said. Washington said last month that Iran was deeply involved in planning operations against shipping in the Red Sea and that its intelligence was critical in enabling the Houthis to target ships. In response to a request for comment for this story, the White House pointed to its previous public comments about how Iran has been supporting the Houthis. In his weekly news conferences, Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani has repeatedly denied Tehran is involved in the Red Sea attacks by the Houthis. The IRGC public relations office did not respond to request for comment. Houthi spokesperson Mohammed Abdulsalam denied any Iranian or Hezbollah involvement in helping to direct the Red Sea attacks. A Hezbollah spokesperson did not respond to a request for comment. The Houthis, who emerged in the 1980s as an armed group in opposition to Saudi Arabia's Sunni religious influence in Yemen, say they are supporting Hamas by striking commercial ships they say are either linked to Israel or are heading to Israeli ports. Their attacks have affected global shipping between Asia and Europe through the Bab al-Mandab strait off Yemen. That has triggered U.S. and British air strikes on Houthi targets in the country, opening a new theatre of conflict linked to the war in Gaza. The Gaza conflict has also sparked clashes between Israel and Hezbollah militants along the Lebanese border, as well as attacks by Iran-linked groups on U.S. targets in Iraq and Syria. "The Revolutionary Guards have been helping the Houthis with military training (on advanced weapons)," an Iranian insider told Reuters. "A group of Houthi fighters were in Iran last month and were trained in an IRGC base in central Iran to get familiar with the new technology and the use of missiles." The person said Iranian commanders had travelled to Yemen as well and set up a command centre in the capital Sanaa for the Red Sea attacks which is being run by the senior IRGC commander responsible for Yemen. Regional Strategy The Red Sea attacks fit in with Iran's strategy of expanding and mobilising its regional Shi'ite network of armed militias to project its influence and show its ability to threaten maritime security in the region and beyond, two analysts said. They said Tehran wanted to show that the Gaza war could be too costly for the West if it drags on - and could have catastrophic consequences in the region as things escalate. "The Houthis are not acting independently," said Abdulaziz al-Sager, director of the Gulf Research Center think-tank, who based his conclusion on a close analysis of the capabilities of the group, which has an estimated 20,000 fighters. "The Houthis, with their personnel, expertise and capabilities are not that advanced. Dozens of vessels cross through Bab al-Mandab daily, the Houthis don't have the means, resources, knowledge or satellite information to find the specific target and attack," he said. White House national security spokeswoman Adrienne Watson also said last month that Iranian-provided tactical intelligence had been critical in enabling the Houthis to target ships. According to two former Yemeni army sources, there is a clear presence of IRGC and Hezbollah members in Yemen. They are responsible for supervising military operations, training and reassembling missiles smuggled into Yemen as separate pieces, the two people said. Abdulghani Al-Iryani, a senior researcher at the Sana'a Center for Strategic Studies, an independent think-tank, said: "It is clearly the case that the Iranians are helping identify the target and the destination. There is no local Houthi capacity to do that." One senior regional source who follows Iran and who spoke on condition of anonymity said: "The political decision is in Tehran, the management is Hezbollah, and the location is the Houthis in Yemen." Weapons and advice Houthi spokesperson Abdulsalam said the group's aim was to target Israeli ships heading to Israel without causing any human or significant material losses. U.S. and British strikes on Yemen would not force them to back down, he said. "We don't deny that we have a relationship with Iran and that we have benefited from the Iranian experience in training and military manufacturing and capabilities but the decision taken by Yemen is an independent one that has nothing to do with any other party," he said. But a security official close to Iran said: "The Houthis have drones, missiles and everything needed for their fight against Israel but they needed guidance and advice on shipping routes and ships, so it has been provided to them by Iran." When asked what kind of advice Tehran offered, he said it was similar to the advisory role taken by Iran in Syria, ranging from training to overseeing operations when needed. "A group of Iranian Guards members are in Sanaa now to help the operations," the security official said. Iran sent hundreds of Revolutionary Guards to Syria, alongside thousands of Hezbollah fighters, to help train and organise Shi'ite militia fighters from Afghanistan, Iraq and Pakistan to prevent the downfall of President Bashar al-Assad during the Sunni-led insurgency that erupted in 2011. Washington and Gulf Arab states have repeatedly accused Iran of arming, training and financing the Houthis, who follow an offshoot of Shi'ite Islam and are aligned with Tehran as part of its anti-Western, anti-Israel "Axis of Resistance" alongside Lebanon's Hezbollah and groups in Syria and Iraq. While Iran has denied having any direct role in the Red Sea attacks, Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has praised the Houthis, whose Zaidi sect is an offshoot of Shi'ism, saying he hoped their strikes would last "until victory". Train and Equip A leader within the coalition of pro-Iranian groups denied there were any commanders from the IRGC or Hezbollah on the ground in Yemen right now. He said a team of Iranian and Hezbollah military experts had gone to Yemen earlier in its civil war to train, equip and build the manufacturing military capability of the Houthis. "They came and helped the Houthis and left, just as they did with Hezbollah and Hamas," he said, adding that the military capabilities of the Houthis should not be underestimated. The person said the Houthis knew the terrain and the sea well and already had the systems in place for attacking ships, including high-precision equipment from Iran. During the chaotic years after the 2011 Arab Spring uprising in Yemen, the Houthis tightened their grip on the country's north and seized the capital Sanaa in 2014, pushing a Saudi-led coalition to intervene militarily months later. When Hamas attacked Israel, Iran had little choice but to demonstrate support for the Palestinian group after years of anti-Israel rhetoric but was worried that using Hezbollah would trigger massive Israeli retaliation, analysts said. Iryani at the Sana'a Center for Strategic Studies said a major war between Israel and Hezbollah would be disastrous for Lebanon - and endanger the future of the group that has become the most important in Iran's "Axis of Resistance". By contrast, the Houthis were in a unique strategic position to have a huge impact by disrupting global maritime activity with little effort, he said.

Iranian and Hezbollah commanders help direct Houthi attacks in Yemen: Report

With Israel continuing to pound southern Lebanon, a top Hezbollah official on Friday (Jan 19) gave a stern warning to the "enemy" Jewish country that there will be a response in case of continued escalation.&nbsp;It is noteworthy that the Lebanon-Israel border has witnessed frequent cross-border attacks since the commencement of the conflict in Gaza.&nbsp;Hezbollah, closely linked to Iran, is widely regarded as a proxy for the Iranian government.

In a statement, Hezbollah's Naim Qassem said, "If Israel decides to expand its aggression, it will receive a real slap in the face in response."&nbsp;He also added that normalcy on the Lebanon-Israel border can only be attained if the "aggression in Gaza" is put to an end.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bill-to-reduce-us-dependence-on-chinese-minerals-introduced-in-congress-681706">Bill to reduce US dependence on Chinese minerals introduced in Congress</a>

"The enemy must know the party is ready, that we are preparing based on the principle that an endless aggression can happen, just like our will to push back the aggression is infinite," he further said.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eiffel-tower-topped-pre-covid-visitor-numbers-in-2023-681705">Eiffel Tower topped pre-Covid visitor numbers in 2023</a>

Reports suggest that over 195 people have been killed in Lebanon due to the Israeli strikes. Among them, at least 142 were Hezbollah militants.&nbsp;Meanwhile, in the counterstrikes by the Iran-backed militia, 15 in Israel have been killed, nine of whom were soldiers and six civilians, reports said citing the Israeli Army.&nbsp;

<h2>Preemptive strike called off?</h2>

Israel, which found itself shocked on October 7 in the wake of an attack by Hamas on its soil, declared war against the Palestinian militant group.

Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israels-anti-war-activists-call-for-ceasefire-in-gaza-681702">Israel’s anti-war activists call for ceasefire in Gaza</a>

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Speaking over Israeli plans in the early stages of the war, a former army chief and a member of Israel’s war cabinet Gadi Eisenkot reportedly said that Israel was&nbsp;ready to carry out a preemptive strike against Lebanon’s Hezbollah militia.&nbsp;However, he added that such a move was called off at the last minute as there was a danger of a spillover.&nbsp;

The humanitarian toll in the Gaza war is increasing day by day.&nbsp;“The inhumane living conditions — almost no drinking water, clean toilets or ability to keep the surroundings clean — will allow hepatitis A to spread further,” the WHO chief warned in a statement on X social media platform.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

With Israel continuing to pound southern Lebanon, a top Hezbollah official on Friday (Jan 19) gave a stern warning to the "enemy" Jewish country that there will be a response in case of continued escalation.

With Israel continuing to pound southern Lebanon, a top Hezbollah official on Friday (Jan 19) gave a stern warning to the "enemy" Jewish country that there will be a response in case of continued escalation. It is noteworthy that the Lebanon-Israel border has witnessed frequent cross-border attacks since the commencement of the conflict in Gaza. Hezbollah, closely linked to Iran, is widely regarded as a proxy for the Iranian government. In a statement, Hezbollah's Naim Qassem said, "If Israel decides to expand its aggression, it will receive a real slap in the face in response." He also added that normalcy on the Lebanon-Israel border can only be attained if the "aggression in Gaza" is put to an end. Also Read | Bill to reduce US dependence on Chinese minerals introduced in Congress "The enemy must know the party is ready, that we are preparing based on the principle that an endless aggression can happen, just like our will to push back the aggression is infinite," he further said. Also Read | Eiffel Tower topped pre-Covid visitor numbers in 2023 Reports suggest that over 195 people have been killed in Lebanon due to the Israeli strikes. Among them, at least 142 were Hezbollah militants. Meanwhile, in the counterstrikes by the Iran-backed militia, 15 in Israel have been killed, nine of whom were soldiers and six civilians, reports said citing the Israeli Army. Preemptive strike called off? Israel, which found itself shocked on October 7 in the wake of an attack by Hamas on its soil, declared war against the Palestinian militant group. Watch | Israel’s anti-war activists call for ceasefire in Gaza × Speaking over Israeli plans in the early stages of the war, a former army chief and a member of Israel’s war cabinet Gadi Eisenkot reportedly said that Israel was ready to carry out a preemptive strike against Lebanon’s Hezbollah militia. However, he added that such a move was called off at the last minute as there was a danger of a spillover. The humanitarian toll in the Gaza war is increasing day by day. “The inhumane living conditions — almost no drinking water, clean toilets or ability to keep the surroundings clean — will allow hepatitis A to spread further,” the WHO chief warned in a statement on X social media platform. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Israel to get 'real slap in the face' if aggression expanded, warns Hezbollah

Latest in Israel-Hamas war: Israeli forces have begun to scale back war. Hezbollah commander killed in Israeli strike. Israeli strikes kill 3 in Rafah. Watch the video to know more!

Israel evacuates military ops in Lebanon; IDF shifts focus from Gaza to Lebanon

A top Hamas official announced new conditions Wednesday for delivering medicines to hostages held by the group in Gaza, insisting trucks carrying the drugs must not be inspected by Israel.

Hamas sets new conditions in hostage medicines deal

Iran-backed terrorist outfit Hezbollah is planning to strike Americans in the Middle East and even hit inside the United States, a report in Politico has claimed, citing four unnamed intelligence officials.

Iran-backed terrorist outfit Hezbollah is planning to strike Americans in the Middle East and even hit inside the United States, a report in Politico has claimed, citing four unnamed intelligence officials. The publication claimed that the Lebanese Hezbollah terrorists are likely to target US personnel in the Middle East first - the ground for the ongoing war involving US ally Israel. “Hezbollah could draw on the capability they have...to put people [in] places to do something. It is something to be worried about," one of the officials was quoted as saying. What makes Hezbollah different from other terror outfits such as the Islamic State or al-Qaeda is that it has an expansive international network, allowing its operatives to conduct jihadi operations on US soil. Other terror organisations usually have individuals inspired by their ideology carrying out lone-wolf attacks in the US and Europe. Either way, if such an attack occurs, it could threaten a global spillover that Washington has desperately wanted to avoid. Moreover, it might draw the US back into the Middle East at a delicate time when its resources are being utilised to counter China and Russia. The latter might use Washington's change of priorities to go for the kill against Ukraine. Watch | US counterstrike on Iran-backed forces, former retaliates after 3 troops hurt Hezbollah attack on US military bases The claims made by the outlet are not completely baseless. Hezbollah has already attacked US military bases in the region on multiple occasions - hinting at its future plans. In December last year, the US military base of Kharab al-Jir in Syria was attacked by alleged Hezbollah terrorists. Previously, the Kharab al-Jir base was attacked in October 2023 on two consecutive days. At the time, the attacks were claimed by groups either directly controlled by Tehran or sharing the ideology of other groups currently fighting Israel The fresh attack came in the backdrop of the US military carrying out retaliatory strikes in Iraq after three American soldiers were wounded in a drone attack on December 26 by Iran-aligned terrorists. Also read | US carries out retaliatory attacks in Iraq after militants target military base leaving three injured The White House accused Iran of “actively facilitating” rocket and drone attacks on its forces in Iraq and Syria. President Joe Biden has since directed the Department of Defense to brace for similar attacks and respond appropriately. “Iran continues to support Hamas and Hezbollah, and we know that Iran is closely monitoring these events and, in some cases, actively facilitating these attacks and spurring on others who may want to exploit the conflict for their own good or for that of Iran,” said White House spokesman John Kirby at the time. Despite US retaliation, the continuous attacks by Iran-backed non-state actors suggest that Tehran is willing to use its extensive network of well-armed, aggressive and well-coordinated proxies, especially Hezbollah, to corner Washington. (With inputs from agencies)

Hezbollah planning attacks on Americans in Middle East as well as on US soil, claims report

US officials assess that there’s a rising risk Lebanese Hezbollah militants will strike Americans in the Middle East — and even potentially hit inside the United States. Watch this video to know more!

US Intel Agencies warn of Hezbollah attack risk in America

American intel agencies warn of Hezbollah attack risk in US

Beirut airport was targetted by a cyberattack on Sunday (Jan 7), said Lebanon's state news agency, with local media sharing footage of the screen displays flashing anti-Hezbollah messages at its terminal.

"The cyberattack on the departure and arrival screens at the airport disrupted the BHS baggage inspection system," the National News Agency said.

The news agency further added that the authorities were attempting to restore the screens "and to maintain normal movement at the airport".

Local media circulated images of a message denouncing Lebanon's Iran-backed Hezbollah group, which as per news agency AFP reports, was displayed onscreen alongside the emblem of the Christian "Soldiers of God" group.

Since the Israel-Hamas conflict began on Oct 7, the Shiite Muslim movement Hezbollah and its arch-enemy Israel have engaged in almost daily cross-border gunfire, with the Lebanese group claiming it was operating in support of its Palestinian partner Hamas.

The message said the airport was "not the airport of Hezbollah and Iran", according to the reports.

"Hassan Nasrallah, no one will support you if you drag the country into war," it added, addressing the group's leader, also saying "We will not fight on behalf of anyone."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-says-it-dismantled-hamas-command-structure-in-northern-gaza-fighting-to-continue-677326">Israel says it ‘dismantled’ Hamas command structure in north Gaza; at least 7 killed in West Bank raid</a>

"You're going to blow up our airport by bringing in weapons. Let the airport be freed from the grip of the (Hezbollah) statelet," the airport message said.

<h2>Hezbollah source says local chief killed in Israeli strikes&nbsp;</h2>

Hezbollah on Thursday (Jan 4) said that a local leader was among four fighters killed overnight in southern Lebanon in Israeli strikes on the border town of Naqura.&nbsp;

As per AFP reports, the militant group said that the deaths included a local Hezbollah leader.&nbsp;

This comes after a strike on Beirut this week, which a US defence official said was carried out by Israel. A&nbsp;senior Hamas leader was killed, further raising&nbsp;tensions in the West Asia region due to the war in the Gaza Strip. &nbsp;

Providing details in a statement Hezbollah said that the four fighters had been killed "on the road to Jerusalem" - it is a phrase which they use to announce the deaths of its members due to Israeli fire since the Israel-Hamas fighting started on October 7.&nbsp;

Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Beirut airport was targetted by a cyberattack on Sunday (Jan 7), said Lebanon's state news agency, with local media sharing footage of the screen displays flashing anti-Hezbollah messages at its terminal.

Beirut airport was targetted by a cyberattack on Sunday (Jan 7), said Lebanon's state news agency, with local media sharing footage of the screen displays flashing anti-Hezbollah messages at its terminal. "The cyberattack on the departure and arrival screens at the airport disrupted the BHS baggage inspection system," the National News Agency said. The news agency further added that the authorities were attempting to restore the screens "and to maintain normal movement at the airport". Local media circulated images of a message denouncing Lebanon's Iran-backed Hezbollah group, which as per news agency AFP reports, was displayed onscreen alongside the emblem of the Christian "Soldiers of God" group. Since the Israel-Hamas conflict began on Oct 7, the Shiite Muslim movement Hezbollah and its arch-enemy Israel have engaged in almost daily cross-border gunfire, with the Lebanese group claiming it was operating in support of its Palestinian partner Hamas. The message said the airport was "not the airport of Hezbollah and Iran", according to the reports. "Hassan Nasrallah, no one will support you if you drag the country into war," it added, addressing the group's leader, also saying "We will not fight on behalf of anyone." Also read: Israel says it ‘dismantled’ Hamas command structure in north Gaza; at least 7 killed in West Bank raid "You're going to blow up our airport by bringing in weapons. Let the airport be freed from the grip of the (Hezbollah) statelet," the airport message said. Hezbollah source says local chief killed in Israeli strikes Hezbollah on Thursday (Jan 4) said that a local leader was among four fighters killed overnight in southern Lebanon in Israeli strikes on the border town of Naqura. As per AFP reports, the militant group said that the deaths included a local Hezbollah leader. This comes after a strike on Beirut this week, which a US defence official said was carried out by Israel. A senior Hamas leader was killed, further raising tensions in the West Asia region due to the war in the Gaza Strip. Providing details in a statement Hezbollah said that the four fighters had been killed "on the road to Jerusalem" - it is a phrase which they use to announce the deaths of its members due to Israeli fire since the Israel-Hamas fighting started on October 7. Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. (With inputs from agencies)

Beirut international airport screens come under cyberattack, display anti-Hezbollah messages

Senior Hezbollah Commander has been killed in an Israeli strike on Southern Lebanon. Reports say that he was travelling in his car when hit by the Israeli missile.

Israel-Hamas war | Hezbollah: Commander killed in Israeli strike

Latest in Israel-Hamas war: Seven dead in West Bank as violent clashes erupt in Jenin following Israeli raid. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has arrived in Turkey, his first stop in the week-long new West Asia trip. This is US' top diplomat's fourth crisis visit to the region amid escalating tensions. Watch the video to know more!

Israel-Hamas War: Hezbollah says it launched 60 rockets at Israeli Military Base

The French and Jordanian air forces have dropped seven tonnes of urgent humanitarian and medical aid for a field hospital set up in Gaza’s second city. Watch the video to know more!

Israel-Gaza War: French-Jordanian aid air-dropped into Gaza by military cargo plane

Protests erupted in the occupied West Bank after top Hamas official Saleh Al-Arouri and six other members of the militant group were killed by a drone strike in Beirut.

Israel-Gaza War: Protests in West Bank over the killing of Hamas leader Saleh Al-Arouri

Hezbollah Chief Hassan Nasrallah has issued a fresh warning of retaliation against Israel after the killing Hamas Deputy Chief Saleh al-Arouri in Beirut. The chief says Lebanon would be exposed to more Israeli operations if his militant group does not respond.

Israel-Gaza War: Hezbollah chief warns Israel amid retaliation fears

Hezbollah chief warns Lebanon could be ‘exposed’ to more Israeli attacks. Israel assassinated Saleh Al-Arouri, Hamas's deputy leader, in a drone strike on Beirut. Lebanon's Hezbollah said that Arouri's killing “will not go unpunished” and claimed a strike on a group of soldiers in Israeli territory. Watch the video to know more!

Hezbollah, Hamas blame Israel for Saleh Al-Arouri's death

The US State Department is offering up to $10 million for information on five Hamas financiers or anything leading to the disruption of the Palestinian militant group's financial mechanisms.

Israel-Gaza War: US offers $10 mn for financial information on Hamas backers

Israel-Hamas War: Hezbollah chief says Lebanon could be 'exposed' to more Israeli attacks

Hezbollah said on Thursday (Jan 5) that a local leader was among four fighters&nbsp;killed overnight in southern Lebanon, in&nbsp;Israeli strikes on the border town of Naqura.&nbsp;

The news agency AFP reported that a source close to the militant group said that the deaths included a local Hezbollah leader.&nbsp;

This comes after a strike on Beirut this week&nbsp;killed a senior Hamas leader, which further raised tensions in the West Asia region due to the war in the Gaza Strip.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-allies-warn-yemens-houthis-of-consequences-if-red-sea-shipping-crisis-continues-676351">US, allies warn Yemen's Houthis of 'consequences' if Red Sea shipping crisis continues</a>&nbsp;

Providing details in a statement&nbsp;Hezbollah said that the four fighters had been killed "on the road to Jerusalem" - it is a phrase which they use to announce deaths of its members due to Israeli fire since the Israel-Hamas fighting started on October 7.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, a source close to Hezbollah told AFP that&nbsp;four were killed in Naqura near the Israeli border, adding that one of them was the movement's local leader.&nbsp;

As reported by Lebanon's official National News Agency, Israeli aircraft "carried out raids on the centre of Naqura, which destroyed a home and damaged surrounding houses".&nbsp;

Since the war started, Hezbollah has exchanged fire almost every day with Israeli forces.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraq-accuses-us-led-coalition-of-baghdad-strike-calls-it-blatant-aggression-676570">Iraq accuses US-led coalition of Baghdad strike, calls it 'blatant aggression'</a>&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Iran blames US &amp; Israel's role in twin blast, vows harsh response&nbsp;

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<h2>Video shows strikes on Hezbollah targets in Lebanon&nbsp;</h2>

The Lebanese group on Wednesday announced the deaths of five other fighters in southern Lebanon. &nbsp;

A video released by Israel on Wednesday was said to show strikes on Hezbollah targets in the Lebanese town of Yaroun, including a "terrorist squad," an army spokesperson announcement said, further adding that several launches from Lebanon into Israel were identified, crossing into Israel and landing in open areas.&nbsp;

Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Hezbollah said on Thursday (Jan 5) that a local leader was among four fighters killed overnight in southern Lebanon, in Israeli strikes on the border town of Naqura.

Hezbollah said on Thursday (Jan 5) that a local leader was among four fighters killed overnight in southern Lebanon, in Israeli strikes on the border town of Naqura. The news agency AFP reported that a source close to the militant group said that the deaths included a local Hezbollah leader. This comes after a strike on Beirut this week killed a senior Hamas leader, which further raised tensions in the West Asia region due to the war in the Gaza Strip. Also read: US, allies warn Yemen's Houthis of 'consequences' if Red Sea shipping crisis continues Providing details in a statement Hezbollah said that the four fighters had been killed "on the road to Jerusalem" - it is a phrase which they use to announce deaths of its members due to Israeli fire since the Israel-Hamas fighting started on October 7. Meanwhile, a source close to Hezbollah told AFP that four were killed in Naqura near the Israeli border, adding that one of them was the movement's local leader. As reported by Lebanon's official National News Agency, Israeli aircraft "carried out raids on the centre of Naqura, which destroyed a home and damaged surrounding houses". Since the war started, Hezbollah has exchanged fire almost every day with Israeli forces. Also read: Iraq accuses US-led coalition of Baghdad strike, calls it 'blatant aggression' Watch: Iran blames US & Israel's role in twin blast, vows harsh response × Video shows strikes on Hezbollah targets in Lebanon The Lebanese group on Wednesday announced the deaths of five other fighters in southern Lebanon. A video released by Israel on Wednesday was said to show strikes on Hezbollah targets in the Lebanese town of Yaroun, including a "terrorist squad," an army spokesperson announcement said, further adding that several launches from Lebanon into Israel were identified, crossing into Israel and landing in open areas. Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. (With inputs from agencies)

Hezbollah source says local chief among four killed in south Lebanon

After the killing of Hamas's number two commander in an alleged Israeli strike in Lebanon Beirut many in Israel are worried about the repercussions. The biggest being the likely disruption in future hostage release negotiations. In a bid to quell increasing Israel-Lebanon tensions, the US is once again sending senior officials to West Asia.

Israel-Hamas war | West Asia: Israel stares at wider conflict

The head of Lebanon's Hezbollah Hassan Nasrallah said that it "cannot be silent" after the killing of Hamas' deputy leader in Beirut and warned that his heavily armed forces would fight to the finish if Israel chose to extend war from Gaza to Lebanon.

Israel-Hamas War: Hezbollah Chief warns Israel against spreading Gaza war

As unrelenting bombardment continues to rock Gaza, an Israeli Army spokesperson has warned that the war against Hamas which is nearing its three-month mark will continue throughout 2024.

Even as international calls for ceasefire continue, Israeli military spokesperson Daniel Hagari on Monday, said the army was preparing for "prolonged fighting" that is expected to last "throughout this year".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/war-in-gaza-us-carrier-heads-home-amid-israel-troop-pullback-what-does-it-indicate-675699">Israel likely shifting to lower-intensity operations following troop pullback from Gaza</a>

Hagari also said the army was "adapting the planning of the force deployment in Gaza". This, as per AFP, is also true for&nbsp;reserve soldiers, who, as the fighting continues, "will still be required," said the army spokesperson.

As per AFP, he later said that some of the 300,000 Israeli reserve soldiers will be "gradually" released.

<h2>Relentless bombardment&nbsp;</h2>

On Monday night and into Tuesday morning,&nbsp;eyewitnesses reported Israeli missiles flying towards Rafah city and shelling around a major refugee camp, Jabalia.&nbsp;

Talking to AFP, a Gaza resident identified as Sami Hamouda said, "It's the worst year of our lives."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israels-top-court-strikes-down-key-govt-legal-reform-675672">Israel’s top court strikes down government’s controversial judicial overhaul</a>

On Monday, as per the Hamas-controlled Health Ministry, 15 dead bodies from the same family were recovered from the rubble of a bombed house in Jabalia in northern Gaza.

"Every new day is like the previous one: bombings, death and mass killings," added Hamouda.

Across the length of the territory in Gaza, heavy artillery fire and air strikes were reported. &nbsp;

Meanwhile&nbsp;in Israel, Defence Minister Yoav Gallant assured that the residents of some towns and villages near the Gaza border "will soon be able to return home" — many of whom&nbsp;were evacuated since Hamas' initial attacks.

On October 7, Hamas militants launched an unprecedented attack on Israel, killing around 1,140 people, as per Israel's tally. The nation has vowed to destroy Hamas, and its retaliatory attack has claimed more than 22,000 lives, as per the health ministry in the Hamas-controlled Gaza —most of them women and children.

(With inputs from agencies)

Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos, and videos. 
&nbsp;

&nbsp;

As unrelenting bombardment continues to rock Gaza, an Israeli Army spokesperson has warned that the war against Hamas which is nearing its three-month mark will continue throughout 2024.

As unrelenting bombardment continues to rock Gaza, an Israeli Army spokesperson has warned that the war against Hamas which is nearing its three-month mark will continue throughout 2024. Even as international calls for ceasefire continue, Israeli military spokesperson Daniel Hagari on Monday, said the army was preparing for "prolonged fighting" that is expected to last "throughout this year". Also read | Israel likely shifting to lower-intensity operations following troop pullback from Gaza Hagari also said the army was "adapting the planning of the force deployment in Gaza". This, as per AFP, is also true for reserve soldiers, who, as the fighting continues, "will still be required," said the army spokesperson. As per AFP, he later said that some of the 300,000 Israeli reserve soldiers will be "gradually" released. Relentless bombardment On Monday night and into Tuesday morning, eyewitnesses reported Israeli missiles flying towards Rafah city and shelling around a major refugee camp, Jabalia. Talking to AFP, a Gaza resident identified as Sami Hamouda said, "It's the worst year of our lives." Also read | Israel’s top court strikes down government’s controversial judicial overhaul On Monday, as per the Hamas-controlled Health Ministry, 15 dead bodies from the same family were recovered from the rubble of a bombed house in Jabalia in northern Gaza. "Every new day is like the previous one: bombings, death and mass killings," added Hamouda. Across the length of the territory in Gaza, heavy artillery fire and air strikes were reported. Meanwhile in Israel, Defence Minister Yoav Gallant assured that the residents of some towns and villages near the Gaza border "will soon be able to return home" — many of whom were evacuated since Hamas' initial attacks. On October 7, Hamas militants launched an unprecedented attack on Israel, killing around 1,140 people, as per Israel's tally. The nation has vowed to destroy Hamas, and its retaliatory attack has claimed more than 22,000 lives, as per the health ministry in the Hamas-controlled Gaza —most of them women and children. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos, and videos.

Israel-Hamas war to continue 'throughout' 2024, says Israeli Army spokesperson

Israel is engaged in the war in Gaza while battles on multiple fronts continue. Tensions are surging in West Bank as violence escalates while Iran backed Hezbollah and Houthis continue to engage in skirmishes with Israeli army and its allies.

Israel targetting civilian cameras to monitor movements, launch attacks: Hezbolllah

Australia, on Thursday (Dec 28) confirmed the death of two of its citizens, including an alleged Hezbollah fighter following an Israeli air strike in south Lebanon. This comes after Canberra said it is looking into the Iran-backed Lebanon-based militant group’s claims that one of the Australian citizens killed had links to the militant group.

<h2>What did Australia say?</h2>

Ibrahim Bazzi and his brother Ali Bazzi were killed in the airstrike on Tuesday (Dec 26) in the town of Bint Jbel in southern Lebanon, said Australia’s acting Foreign Minister Mark Dreyfus.&nbsp;

Dreyfus said Australia was investigating Hezbollah’s claim that Ali Bazzi was one of its fighters. “We will continue to make inquiries about this particular person, with whom Hezbollah has claimed links,” said Australia’s acting foreign minister.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-army-claims-to-have-destroyed-hamas-tunnels-under-gazas-rantisi-hospital-674235">Israeli army claims to have destroyed Hamas' tunnels under Gaza’s Rantisi hospital</a>

He added, “Hezbollah has claimed this Australian as one of its fighters. Our inquiries are continuing.” Dreyfus also noted that Hezbollah is a “listed terrorist organisation” in Australia and it is an offence for any Australian to provide it financial support or fight in its ranks.&nbsp;

Ibrahim Bazzi had arrived in Lebanon recently from Sydney to accompany his Lebanese wife Shorouq Hammoud to Australia, according to a report by the Associated Press. Hammoud had recently received an Australian visa and was also among those killed in the attack.&nbsp;

Australia’s acting foreign minister said that the Australian embassy in Beirut was ready to provide consular assistance to the Bazzi family if required.&nbsp;

<h2>Australia talks to Israel about attack</h2>

Dreyfus said his government had communicated with Israel about the airstrike but declined to disclose what was discussed.&nbsp;

He also reiterated a warning by his government calling on Australians not to travel to Lebanon and also urged those in Lebanon to leave the country while commercial flight options remained available.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-deaths-soar-as-israel-says-war-to-last-many-more-months-674161">Gaza deaths soar as Israel says war to last 'many more months'</a>

“In the context of the current conflict, Australia has consistently called for civilian lives to be protected and we have consistently raised our concerns about the risk of this conflict spreading,” said Dreyfus.&nbsp;

Since the beginning of the war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza on October 7, Hezbollah, an ally of the Palestinian militant group, has been exchanging near-daily fire with Israel across Lebanon’s southern border.&nbsp;

The Israeli airstrike&nbsp;on Tuesday, which is said to have killed the Australian citizens, was part of a flare-up of border area hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah in the town of Bint Jbeil where the militants, as per Reuters, enjoy widespread support.

(With inputs from agencies)

Australia, on Thursday (Dec 28) confirmed the death of two of its citizens, including an alleged Hezbollah fighter following an Israeli air strike in south Lebanon.

Australia, on Thursday (Dec 28) confirmed the death of two of its citizens, including an alleged Hezbollah fighter following an Israeli air strike in south Lebanon. This comes after Canberra said it is looking into the Iran-backed Lebanon-based militant group’s claims that one of the Australian citizens killed had links to the militant group. What did Australia say? Ibrahim Bazzi and his brother Ali Bazzi were killed in the airstrike on Tuesday (Dec 26) in the town of Bint Jbel in southern Lebanon, said Australia’s acting Foreign Minister Mark Dreyfus. Dreyfus said Australia was investigating Hezbollah’s claim that Ali Bazzi was one of its fighters. “We will continue to make inquiries about this particular person, with whom Hezbollah has claimed links,” said Australia’s acting foreign minister. ALSO READ | Israeli army claims to have destroyed Hamas' tunnels under Gaza’s Rantisi hospital He added, “Hezbollah has claimed this Australian as one of its fighters. Our inquiries are continuing.” Dreyfus also noted that Hezbollah is a “listed terrorist organisation” in Australia and it is an offence for any Australian to provide it financial support or fight in its ranks. Ibrahim Bazzi had arrived in Lebanon recently from Sydney to accompany his Lebanese wife Shorouq Hammoud to Australia, according to a report by the Associated Press. Hammoud had recently received an Australian visa and was also among those killed in the attack. Australia’s acting foreign minister said that the Australian embassy in Beirut was ready to provide consular assistance to the Bazzi family if required. Australia talks to Israel about attack Dreyfus said his government had communicated with Israel about the airstrike but declined to disclose what was discussed. He also reiterated a warning by his government calling on Australians not to travel to Lebanon and also urged those in Lebanon to leave the country while commercial flight options remained available. ALSO READ | Gaza deaths soar as Israel says war to last 'many more months' “In the context of the current conflict, Australia has consistently called for civilian lives to be protected and we have consistently raised our concerns about the risk of this conflict spreading,” said Dreyfus. Since the beginning of the war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza on October 7, Hezbollah, an ally of the Palestinian militant group, has been exchanging near-daily fire with Israel across Lebanon’s southern border. The Israeli airstrike on Tuesday, which is said to have killed the Australian citizens, was part of a flare-up of border area hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah in the town of Bint Jbeil where the militants, as per Reuters, enjoy widespread support. (With inputs from agencies)

Australia confirms death of two citizens after Israeli strike in Lebanon

The renewed talks for a potential truce in the Israel-Hamas War there are reports of Discord between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his defence minister Yoav Gallant. The Israeli media reports that Netanyahu has barred Gallant from holding talks with the Mossad chief on the hostage release deal. To know more watch this interview with Former German envoy to NATO, Joachim Bitterlich.

Israel-Hamas war | Reports: Netanyahu bars Gallant from meeting Mossad Chief

The renewed talks for a potential truce in the Israel-Hamas War there are reports of Discord between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his defence minister Yoav Gallant. The Israeli media reports that Netanyahu has barred Gallant from holding talks with the Mossad chief on the hostage release deal.

Israel-Hamas war: Rift between Netanyahu and Gallant over war with Hezbollah

The Israel-Hamas War seeing no signs of stopping while another border is showing signs of concern. Lebanon-based Hezbollah continues to exert pressure by supporting the Hamas in Gaza and is also taking armed action on the ground.

Israel-Hamas war: IDF spokesperson continues to urge Hezbollah to stay away from the border

Israel-Hamas war | Reports: Israel wanted to pre-emptively strike Lebanon-based Hezbollah

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