Escalating Conflict in Gaza and Lebanon

An Israeli strike on al-Ahli hospital in Gaza City killed five people, including three journalists, and injured 30 others. The Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem condemned the attack, calling it a "war crime." The Israeli military said it targeted a Palestinian Islamic Jihad fighter operating from a command centre in the hospital's yard, but the Palestinian Journalists' Syndicate said the strike directly hit a media tent. The incident occurred as global news organizations called for international media access to Gaza and protection for Palestinian journalists, citing the deaths of nearly 200 journalists at the hands of the Israeli military.

The Israeli military has recovered the bodies of Judi Weinstein Haggai, 70, and her husband Gadi Haggai, 72, who were taken hostage by Hamas during an attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023. The couple, who were Israeli-Americans, were killed during the attack on Kibbutz Nir Oz. Their bodies were found in the Khan Younis area of Gaza and brought back to Israel for forensic identification. There are now 56 hostages still being held by Hamas in Gaza, at least 20 of whom are believed to be alive. The recovery was made possible by "precise intelligence" from the Israel Defense Forces and the Shin Bet security service. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other world leaders, including US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, have expressed condolences to the Haggai family.

Israel carried out several air strikes on Beirut's southern suburbs on the eve of Eid Al Adha, targeting Hezbollah's alleged drone production. The Israeli Defence Forces claimed to have identified a Hezbollah unit producing thousands of drones underground, funded by Iran. The strikes followed evacuation warnings and caused thousands to flee, resulting in a traffic gridlock and plumes of smoke. Lebanon's prime minister and president strongly condemned the attacks, describing them as a "systematic and deliberate attack" and a "flagrant violation of an international accord", respectively. The strikes occurred despite a ceasefire being in effect between Israel and Lebanon for six months.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has confirmed that Israel is arming clans in Gaza opposed to Hamas, saying it "saves the lives of Israeli soldiers." The move has sparked criticism from several Israeli politicians, who accuse Netanyahu of endangering Israeli security by arming a clan led by Yasser Abu Shabab, viewed by some as a militia or criminal gang. The clan has been operating in Rafah, an area under Israeli military control, and has been supplied with Kalashnikov rifles seized from Hamas. Netanyahu's office said Israel is working to defeat Hamas through various means, but critics say the move could create a new security risk.

Israeli forces recovered the bodies of Israeli-American hostages Judi Lynn Weinstein, 70, and Gad Haggai, 72, in a special operation in Gaza's Khan Younis city. The couple, who held dual US and Israeli citizenship, were killed in Hamas' October 7, 2023, attack on Kibbutz Nir Oz and taken hostage. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the recovery was made possible by precise intelligence gained through interrogations of captured terrorists, and extended condolences to the families. The couple's remains were returned to Israel, and their daughter thanked the Israeli military, FBI, and both governments for their efforts, calling for the release of the remaining 56 hostages believed to be held in Gaza.

Israel is defending the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a US and Israel-backed aid group, as the UN pushes to control aid distribution in Gaza. Israeli officials claim Hamas is trying to sabotage the GHF's efforts, which they believe could cause the terror group to lose its grip on the population. The GHF has faced backlash and violent incidents near its distribution sites, prompting the IDF to shoot "suspects" who failed to heed orders. The US has vetoed a UN Security Council resolution criticizing Israel's handling of aid, with US officials urging support for the GHF to prevent Hamas from diverting aid.

Israel recovered the bodies of two hostages, Gadi Haggai and Judy Weinstein-Haggai, who were abducted during the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack. The couple, both in their early 70s, were killed in the attacks and their bodies were held hostage by Hamas. The recovery operation was conducted by the IDF, Shin Bet, and other Israeli agencies, and was made possible by precise intelligence. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum welcomed the recovery, saying it brings "healing to our uncertainty" and called for the return of the remaining 56 hostages, either alive or dead, for burial and rehabilitation.

Israeli forces recovered the bodies of a husband and wife, Gad Haggai, 72, and Judi Weinstein Haggai, 70, who were taken into Gaza by Hamas after being killed on October 7, 2023, during a special operation involving the Israeli military and Shin Bet. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the recovery, stating that the state will not rest until all abductees are returned home. The hostage families' forum welcomed the return of the couple's bodies, calling for the state to do everything necessary to bring home the remaining 56 hostages, whether alive or deceased.